Ex-royal chef reveals Christmas meal quirks - from classic menu to odd rules

The Royal Family owns homes, castles and palaces all over the country with many of them being bought with private funds. While events such as Easter are spent at Windsor Castle, Christmas is typically enjoyed at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Last year's festive period was a huge step forward for more reasons than one.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Christmases have been different since they left the royal family in 2020. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex last spent the festive period with the Royal Family on the Sandringham Estate in 2018. A year later, they decided to celebrate in America with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland before stepping back from The Firm in 2020 and permanently moving to the States.

From travelling the world to living in palaces, it would be hard to argue that being a member of the royal family didn't come without its perks. But alongside these benefits comes a long list of rules that members of the family must remember and comply with. In terms of fashion and beauty, there are ample style regulations put in place that must be followed at all times.This includes things from no bright nail varnish to female royals not being allowed to take their coats off while in public - no matter the temperature.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's hopes of a Christmas reunion in the UK have been dashed due to fresh drama. Fans were hoping that 2023 might be the year the couple would patch things up with the rest of the Royal Family and spend Christmas at Sandringham. In recent months, there have been whispers from sources close to Harry and Meghan suggesting they were keen on spending the festive season with their extended family in Britain.

during their annual walkabout at St Mary Magdalene Church at Sandringham.Ferguson — who is also affectionately known as Fergie — joined the Windsors for the holiday alongside her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, for the fist time since the 90s.According to “Charles III: New King. New Court” author Robert Hardman, the reason why she was welcomed back for the Yuletide occasion was due to King Charles’ love for Beatrice, 35, and Eugenie, 33.“Life moves on.

After two days of eating and drinking in lavish style, Boxing Day is when many of the royals get up early, pull on their waxed Barbour jackets and wellington boots, and load their guns for a day of shooting on the 20,000-acre Sandringham estate. Although for many of us the day is about strolling off the excesses, playing games and snuggling in front of the TV, senior members of the family are expected to join the hunt for plump pheasants or grouse.

The Royal Family take part in many traditions each Christmas - some of which are classic and others which are unique to them. From attending a church service, just like many of us up and down the UK to opening their presents on Christmas Eve to pay homage to their German heritage, the royals' day will be enjoyed by everyone. But every year, the family attracts huge amounts of criticism for one custom that traditionally takes place on Boxing Day.

We've forever in awe at how great Kate Middleton's hair and make-up always looks. Whether she's stepping out on royal engagements or attending black tie balls, the Princess of Wales always looks flawless. Christmas is a busy time for the royal too, with Kate hosting a carol service at Westminster Abbey for the third year in a row, as well as attending the annual Christmas Day church service at Sandringham.

Along with cringey cracker jokes, fights over the best Quality Street chocolate and post-lunch naps in front of the TV, Christmas Day would not feel right if we didn’t see the royals heading off on their seasonal trip to church. While the service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham is a strictly private affair, all eyes turn on the family as they make their way there, often stopping to chat to locals who gather to give their seasonal greetings. Last year, the family headed to church for the first time without Queen Elizabeth II leading the way.

Christmas morning is likely very similar for the Royal Family as it is for many of us up and down the UK. After the younger members of the family have woken up early to see if Santa Claus has been, they will then attend the annual morning service at St Mary Magdalene church. While the church service happens behind closed doors, the Prince of Wales previously revealed some of the best kept secrets from over the years during his appearance on the Apple Fitness + podcast Time to Walk.

Among the nation's favourite Christmas films sits classics like Home Alone, Love Actually, Elf and A Christmas Carol - but it would seem that Queen Elizabeth's favourite festive flick was far from traditional. It was revealed by one of the lead actors himself that the monarch used to sit down every year with her grandchildren to watch the film.

It might be 26 years since Paul Burrell worked for the Royal Family, but the former butler still likes to add some Royal magic to his Christmas celebrations. Paul, 65, spent over two decades working with the Royal Family and was previously the late Princess Diana's butler. He's now opened up about what it was like to celebrate Christmas at Sandringham with the Royals, admitting there are certain things he misses about the annual festivities The I'm A Celeb star has also revealed he's taken tips from his Royal Christmases when it comes to setting up his dinner table at his home, which he shares with husband Graham Cooper.

Gift-giving can be a challenging affair when your nearest and dearest already own priceless jewels, designer clothes and luxury cars. So instead of splashing out on expensive, over-the-top items, the royals don’t take seasonal gifting seriously.

Far from the world of royal banquets and formal regal traditions, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex prefer a more low-key Christmas these days. Since moving to balmy Montecito in California in March 2020, Harry, Meghan and their two children Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, have opted for relaxed festive celebrations on their luxury five-acre estate. “We’re probably talking barbecues and walks on the beach for the Sussexes rather than obligatory black-tie dinners and pheasant shoots at Sandringham,” says royal expert Duncan Larcombe.

With Christmas only days away, the Royal Family will be making their final preparations to head off to Sandringham to enjoy the festive season together. Despite an invitation having reportedly been extended, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex look set to remain in California with their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. While this does not come as a surprise after a turbulent year of veiled attacks in the form of books, documentaries and interviews, it is likely the couple will enjoy an intimate festive season.

The Royal Family will be counting down the days to Christmas where they will return to the Sandringham Estate and spend time together as a family. When it comes to what the royals choose to eat during the festive period, it is said their choices couldn't be more traditional with former royal chef Darren McGrady going as far to describe the family's meal choices as "boring".

The royals have enjoyed spending Christmas at Sandringham for decades, and after creating so many special memories there with the late Queen, the King seems keen for them to keep making more. “Christmas at Sandringham has been absolutely central to the family for years, and that legacy looks certain to continue with Charles,” says royal expert Duncan Larcombe.

The Prince and Princess of Wales enjoy a very close relationship with the Middleton family and often spend part of the Christmas holidays with them at home in Berkshire. Among many exciting family traditions, this year will be extra special for the family following a new addition to the clan in October.

Members of the Royal Family will spend Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk with their annual trip to church and a host of festive traditions. One of which is opening their presents on Christmas Eve, a tradition they've held for years. King Charles and Queen Camilla will be hosting Christmas this year, joined by their families including Prince William and Kate Middleton along with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Christmas is a time to let our hair down and pop open the champagne to celebrate the festive season with our loved ones. But for members of the Royal Family, it's not quite as easy as that, as they have a booze rule they always follow. This year, King Charles and Queen Camilla will be hosting Christmas at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with both sides of their family taking part in the festivities.