- A royal Christmas is just around the corner
- THIS tradition keeps William and Kate apart on Christmas morning
- Here are the details of this curious tradition
Tradition is everything in royal circles, and of course, the holidays would be no exception to this rule. And hold onto your crowns, because we've got the scoop on a Christmas custom that's got everyone talking! It's not often that Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton spend too much time apart!
William and Kate have to do what's expected
There will be a royal divide at dawn. While you're snuggled up with your sweetheart, nibbling on toast and sipping coffee, Prince William and Kate Middleton are keeping it traditional, but apart!
Yes, you heard it right. On Christmas morning, the royal men and women go their separate ways, with the gents chowing down on a full English breakfast, while the ladies keep it light with fruit and toast in their rooms.
Why the breakfast break-up? The burning question on everyone's lips: why the separate servings? Darren McGrady, a former royal chef, spills the tea (and the toast) but leaves us hanging on the 'why.' It's a tradition shrouded in mystery, as intriguing as a whodunit Christmas cracker!
Speaking in 2017, several years prior to the Queen Elizabeth's death, McGrady told the 'Daily Mail': "On Christmas Day, the ladies generally opt for a light breakfast of sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast and coffee delivered to their rooms – the Queen’s tray is delivered at exactly 9am."
"The male Royals, meanwhile, come downstairs to the dining room for a hearty breakfast at 8.30am with eggs, bacon and mushrooms, kippers and grilled kidneys, to set them up for the 11am church service at St Mary Magdalene. When they return, it’s straight into pre-lunch drinks."
The details are key
The reason for the separate remains unclear. But one theory is that it allows the women more time to go their hair and makeup ahead of the much photographed church service.
McGrady added: "The first time the Royals congregate on Christmas Eve is for afternoon tea at 4pm, often in the ornate Sandringham saloon under its exquisitely painted ceiling."
"It involves a large cake, usually a ginger cake or honey and cream sponge; a fruit cake would clash with the following day’s Christmas cake. Small cakes and scones feature alongside finger sandwiches (crusts off, served in squares) filled with ham and English mustard, Sage Derby cheese and Branston Pickle or Coronation chicken, with a pot of Earl Grey tea."
Other royal traditions seem to date back to the family’s German roots. For instance, Prince Harry confirmed in his book, 'Spare', that his family exchanges gifts on Christmas Eve. The royal family’s official website says that members usually lay out their gifts on trestle tables and exchange them around teatime.
And what about Harry and Meghan's holidays? The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their children Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, were rumored to be spending the festive season in the UK this year. It would have been the first time the couple spent Christmas with the Royal Family since 2018.
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But fear not, the royal festivities are not all about separation. Christmas Eve is a smorgasbord of shared delights, from gift exchanges to a teatime treat in the Sandringham saloon. Think ginger cake, finger sandwiches, and Earl Grey!
And let's not forget the Christmas cards! William and Kate dazzled us with a monochrome masterpiece featuring their adorable trio – George (9), Charlotte (7), and Louis (4). But wait, was there a Photoshop faux pas? The jury's still out!
Carols and Charity Kate's "Together at Christmas" carol service is the new kid on the block, while Prince William plays Santa to the homeless with a heartwarming Christmas lunch. It's all about giving back, royal style!
So, there you have it – a royal Christmas wrapped up with a bow of tradition and a sprinkle of separation. Stay tuned for more regal revelations and holiday happenings!
