Kate Middleton and Prince William along with other members of the Royal Family have an unusual tradition of dining separately on Christmas Day.
The royal family enjoyed a lavish lunch together at Sandringham House on December 25, but breakfast was a more private event.
According to the Mirror, the royals follow a detailed itinerary that starts with breakfast at 9am, leading to a church service at St Mary Magdalene Church at 11am. After returning to Sandringham House, which is now owned by King Charles III following the death of Queen Elizabeth, they begin with a pre-lunch drink.
Former royal chef Darren McGrady revealed that the royal ladies have breakfast in their private bedrooms, while the gentlemen gather in the dining room before heading to church.
While the specific reason behind this custom is unknown, the Daily Record reports that it means the Prince and Princess of Wales do not have breakfast together on Christmas Day, despite being married for more than ten years.
In a 2017 interview with the Daily Mail, which took place before the Queen’s death, Mr McGrady revealed: “On Christmas Day, the ladies usually opt for a light breakfast of sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast and coffee delivered to their rooms. The Queen’s tray is delivered promptly at 9am.”
“Meanwhile, the male members of the Royal Family head down to the dining room for a hearty breakfast at 8.30am of eggs, bacon and mushrooms, smoked herring and roast kidney, in preparation for the 11am church service at St Mary Magdalene. When they return, they will have drinks before lunch.”
It is believed that the tradition of separating the sexes at breakfast will give women more time to perfect their hair and makeup for the much-photographed church service.
Mr McGrady added: “The first time the Royal Family gathers on Christmas Eve is for afternoon tea at 4pm, usually in the ornate Sandringham drawing room under an intricately painted ceiling.
“It consists of a large cake, usually gingerbread or sponge cake with honey and cream; a fruit cake would not fit in with the Christmas cake of the following day.”
“Small cakes and scones served with finger sandwiches (crust removed, cut into squares) filled with ham and English mustard, Sage Derby cheese and Branston pickle or Coronation chicken, accompanied by a pot of Earl Grey tea.”
Members of The Firm also attended Christmas Eve dinner, following a German tradition known as Heiligabend Bescherung, which involves opening presents on Christmas Eve. It has not yet been confirmed whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will join their estranged relatives at Sandringham this year.
It’s been more than four years since Prince Harry and Meghan left The Firm in 2020 and they haven’t spent Christmas with Harry’s family since 2018.
A Royal commentator has suggested that the publication of Omid Scobie’s controversial book ‘Endgame’ may have influenced the King’s decision on whether to take part in the festive gathering.
