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The royal family’s Christmas retreat at Sandringham is anything but a leisurely getaway.
Angela Kelly, who served as the late Queen Elizabeth’s dresser and aide, revealed that Sandringham comes alive with a vibrant mix of guests, comprising both family and friends, during the festive period.
“Much like Balmoral, Sandringham is meant for holidays, yet neither location offers much relaxation, as there’s always plenty to do and numerous events to attend,” Kelly shared in her 2019 book, “The Other Side of the Coin,” according to People.
She described the lively atmosphere of the 20,000-acre estate, saying, “The house is filled with activity, and I adore hearing the children running, laughing, and playing.” Kelly added that the scene is enchanting, with the Christmas tree and decorations adding to the magic.
Prince William confirmed that this tradition continues, as he discussed his holiday plans for 2024 last year.
“We’ll be in Norfolk, at Sandringham,” he said while visiting with soldiers and their families in England in December 2024, per People. “We’ll be 45 for Christmas. It won’t be quiet, it will be noisy.”
Prince Harry — who quit his royal family duties alongside wife Meghan Markle in 2020 to move to Montecito, Calif. — gave further insight into the royal family’s traditions at Sandringham in his 2023 memoir “Spare.”
“The whole family gathered to open gifts on Christmas Eve, as always, a German tradition that survived the anglicizing of the family surname from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor,” he wrote.
A black-tie evening soirée for the royal family follows, with church service on Christmas Day at St. Mary Magdalene Church, followed by a mid-day celebratory meal.
Queen Elizabeth — who died in 2022 at age 96 — held a tradition of spending the holidays at the English countryside home, which the royals have owned since 1862.
King Charles has carried on the tradition, arriving in the area just before Christmas and enjoying an extended break following the celebrations, typically for several days.
His mother made a habit of staying till much later, departing just after the anniversary of the death of her father, King George VI on Feb. 6.
During the festivities, shooting parties for the royals at the grounds of the private country retreat are commonly held.
Kelly wrote in 2019 that the weather in the area — about 100 miles north of London — “can change so quickly around Sandringham.”
“It can be beautiful one day and freezing the next,” she penned.
As the queen’s dresser, Kelly had her eye on the weather while crafting outfits for the late monarch.
King Charles’ elder son, Prince William, and his wife Kate Middleton’s Amner Hall sits nearby, and William is said to enjoy pheasant shooting during the season, as well.