UK
King Charles to celebrate Christmas with family at Sandringham for first time since before pandemic
King Charles will celebrate Christmas at Sandringham with his family for the first time since before the pandemic.
The last time the Royal Family spent Christmas at their Norfolk estate was in 2019, but the royal standard is flying above the house, marking a return to the festive tradition.
Today also marks the first Christmas since the death of the Queen in September, aged 96.
The family will attend a morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church, greeting fans before sitting down to a family dinner with turkey and the usual festive trimmings.
The King and Camilla are expected to be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children George, Charlotte and Louis, the Princess Royal and her family, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children.
It is understood that the Duke of York and his former wife Sarah, Duchess of York, are on the estate, but it is not known if Andrew will make a public appearance.
The 62-year-old’s reputation has taken a beating since he settled a civil sex case out of court.
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King Charles recorded his Christmas message on 13 December
The King’s first Christmas message
King Charles recorded his first Christmas message earlier this month at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
This will be broadcast during the afternoon.
Charles is expected to reflect on the loss of his mother and her legacy.
In a nod to his long-held commitment to the environment, the King is pictured standing in front of a large Christmas tree, decorated with pine cones and sustainable ornaments made of paper and glass.
It is a change of scene from the messages recorded by the Queen, where she would traditionally be seated and surrounded by photos of her family.
No photos for the King this year – but there are floral arrangements in the background using English foliage of holly, ivy, and red skimmia.
The year is drawing to a close after a challenging few months for the King, facing the fallout from Harry and Meghan’s Netflix documentary, as well as accusations of racism within inner royal circles.