On a cold Christmas morning in 1997, Prince Harry and Prince William joined the Royal family for the annual walk from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church on the estate where, as always, locals gathered to exchange festive wishes, flowers and cards with the royals. Skimming through the images now, it almost looks like any other royal Christmas, steeped in tradition and familiarity. For William and Harry it was anything but; less than four months earlier they had tragically lost their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales in a car accident in Paris; a loss we now know they are still trying to come to terms with. As any of us who have lost loved ones know, Christmas can serve as a painful reminder of those not present, their absence all the more sorely felt on a day reserved for family. At 15 and 13, I cannot begin to imagine how they must have felt knowing they would never spend the occasion with their mother again. Behind the smiles and gracious greetings, they were two boys hurting and making their way through what had to be an extraordinarily difficult day...
Leo Tolstoy famously said "the most powerful warriors are patience and time" and with the passage of twenty years, both William and Harry have now found happiness in their lives. On Christmas morning, the scene outside St Mary Magdalene Church will be in stark contrast to that sad day in 1997. Prince William was lucky enough to meet 'the one' at St Andrews University and as they approach their seventh wedding anniversary with their third child on the way, it's safe to say William has found happiness. It was a longer road for Prince Harry, who found relationships difficult because of how hard he found it to deal with the loss of his mother. Now, life has come full circle for him too, and he will make the walk to Church with his future wife, Meghan Markle, by his side.
The Sunday Times journalist Roya Nikkhah (if you're new to following the royal beat, Roya is one of the finest journalists out there) confirmed over the weekend: "Meghan Markle will join the royal family for Christmas at Sandringham in yet another break with tradition. The actress will also be the first royal fiancée to open presents with the Queen on December 24, before she officially becomes a member of the royal family. It is understood that Harry asked the Queen to make an exception for Markle over Christmas. She relocated last month from Toronto, her home for the past seven years, to London shortly before the couple announced their engagement last Monday — as predicted by The Sunday Times last weekend. The move signals how fully Markle has been welcomed into the royal family after her 16-month romance with the fifth (soon to be sixth) in line to the throne."
What prompted the change from tradition? As noted by The Times, the Queen is very close to her grandsons and I believe would have been more than happy to accommodate Harry's wish to spend Christmas with his fiancée. I believe there's a wider element to her thinking too; Her Majesty has witnessed so much throughout her reign, she's incredibly astute when it comes to reading the public and media temperature. It will not have gone unnoticed by her or her courtiers the vitriolic campaign factions of the press and social media have been vehemently running against Meghan. Disgruntled people from her past are being paid six figures sums to betray the woman they once called a 'friend'. Why, one might ask, would such people have one iota of credibility? Yet, every slight and salacious tale is being digested with relish by some. Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, has been hunted down like a wanted criminal. Labelled a "recluse" and "a man in hiding" because he wishes to support his daughter and unlike other members of the family, avoid at all costs selling her out to the press. I've observed the royals closely for a decade, and I've seen cruel stories, blatantly untrue 'exclusives', relatives of royals targeted, but I have never seen anything like this. What better way for the Queen and the Royal family to show how warmly they have welcomed Meghan than to invite her for Christmas?
Meghan will need one rather large suitcase as Christmas Day alone requires a number of outfit changes. The Duchess of York famously complained about having to change seven times. From a stylish but serviceable warm coat and hat for the church service to an elegant gown and jewels for the evening, successfully navigating the sartorial requirements of the day is no mean feat.
The festivities are a three-day affair for the Royal family, commencing on Christmas eve when immediate and extended family members descend on the leafy Norfolk Estate. The Sunday Times reports it's likely Harry and Meghan will stay at Anmer Hall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's country pile, also located on the estate, joining the Queen and other members each day.
If true, I think it's a lovely idea and a very relaxed way for Meghan to spend her first Christmas with the royals. Indeed, they'll be there to see Prince George and Princess Charlotte opening their stockings. During the engagement, Meghan said Kate's been "wonderful". I'm sure they'll both be getting ready together before heading over to Sandringham House.
Prince Philip has been enjoying much of his retirement on the estate and nothing gives him and the Queen more pleasure than welcoming at least a twenty-five-strong crowd. At 4 pm, the family gathers in the White Drawing Room for Earl Grey tea, cakes, home-made scones and a chat.
The Queen encourages the younger royals to add decorations and finishing touches to the tree - a Norfolk spruce taken from the estate. In fact, the Queen adores Christmas trees and has one in each room. The Master of the Household then gives each member a timetable and room plan, so they know where to be and when. Below, we see Meghan decorating the tree with friends last year.
The Queen will then give the go ahead for gifts to be presented and opened. They are not opened on Christmas Day, as the Queen adheres to strict observance of the religious festival. Trestle tables are laid out in the nearby Red Drawing Room, with sections marked off showing each family member's gifts, laid out in order of precedence. When it comes to gifts, the royals love to show their humour, shunning expensive gifts in favour of items with a good dollop of fun attached. Harry is a dab hand at this already, once giving his grandmother a shower cap with the slogan 'Ain't Life a Bitch'. Royals also love to get creative, and foodie Meghan may opt to prepare edible treats. Apparently she makes a mean berry crumble!
The gifts will be accompanied with cards and notes written in her beautiful handwriting. Meghan once worked as a professional calligrapher. She wrote a special note for Santa and shared it on her Instagram page.
All that gift opening is thirsty work! Next, it's time for Martinis and cider. Then it's back to their rooms for baths and another change of clothes. After a gong at 8 pm, guests are seated for dinner. Men will be dressed in black tie, while women will be draped in full-length gowns. The candlelit three-course meal usually consists of lamb or locally sourced game. Once dinner is finished, the women move to another room for coffee, whilst the men enjoy liqueurs. Afterwards, the Cambridges and Harry and Meghan will return to Anmer for a good night's sleep.
On Christmas morning, Meghan will mark a significant royal milestone as she joins the Royal family for the annual walk to the picturesque St Mary Magdalene Church.
Upon return to the house it is yet another outfit change before they all sit down for Christmas lunch at 1.15 pm. Norfolk turkey accompanied by a selection of cold meats and a variety of side dishes is served. At precisely 3 pm the family gathers round to watch the Queen's Christmas message. The evening consists of a walk around the estate, board games, television and drinks.
The Sunday Times added that "a friend of Harry’s said: 'Now they are engaged it was unthinkable that they would be apart for Christmas. The Royal family have fully welcomed Meghan into the fold.' On Boxing Day, guests traditionally take part in a pheasant shoot on the 20,000-acre estate, although Markle, who is thought to be opposed to blood sports, is unlikely to join in".
From there, it's reported Harry and Meghan will ring in the New Year in LA with Meghan's mother Doria Ragland. Kensington Palace confirmed Meghan would be travelling for several weeks before the wedding to spend quality time with family and friends. I imagine it's quite possible the trip to California could be the beginning of the time away. January is traditionally a very quiet month on the royal calendar; perhaps Harry and Meghan will spend it abroad?
Kensington Palace is expected to confirm Meghan's attendance at Sandringham closer to the date. I for one will be delighted to see her taking her place beside Harry on the day. It will no doubt be an unforgettable Christmas for both of them - their first together - and a lovely opportunity to unwind and relax before the hustle and bustle of wedding planning in 2018!
Leo Tolstoy famously said "the most powerful warriors are patience and time" and with the passage of twenty years, both William and Harry have now found happiness in their lives. On Christmas morning, the scene outside St Mary Magdalene Church will be in stark contrast to that sad day in 1997. Prince William was lucky enough to meet 'the one' at St Andrews University and as they approach their seventh wedding anniversary with their third child on the way, it's safe to say William has found happiness. It was a longer road for Prince Harry, who found relationships difficult because of how hard he found it to deal with the loss of his mother. Now, life has come full circle for him too, and he will make the walk to Church with his future wife, Meghan Markle, by his side.
The Sunday Times journalist Roya Nikkhah (if you're new to following the royal beat, Roya is one of the finest journalists out there) confirmed over the weekend: "Meghan Markle will join the royal family for Christmas at Sandringham in yet another break with tradition. The actress will also be the first royal fiancée to open presents with the Queen on December 24, before she officially becomes a member of the royal family. It is understood that Harry asked the Queen to make an exception for Markle over Christmas. She relocated last month from Toronto, her home for the past seven years, to London shortly before the couple announced their engagement last Monday — as predicted by The Sunday Times last weekend. The move signals how fully Markle has been welcomed into the royal family after her 16-month romance with the fifth (soon to be sixth) in line to the throne."
What prompted the change from tradition? As noted by The Times, the Queen is very close to her grandsons and I believe would have been more than happy to accommodate Harry's wish to spend Christmas with his fiancée. I believe there's a wider element to her thinking too; Her Majesty has witnessed so much throughout her reign, she's incredibly astute when it comes to reading the public and media temperature. It will not have gone unnoticed by her or her courtiers the vitriolic campaign factions of the press and social media have been vehemently running against Meghan. Disgruntled people from her past are being paid six figures sums to betray the woman they once called a 'friend'. Why, one might ask, would such people have one iota of credibility? Yet, every slight and salacious tale is being digested with relish by some. Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, has been hunted down like a wanted criminal. Labelled a "recluse" and "a man in hiding" because he wishes to support his daughter and unlike other members of the family, avoid at all costs selling her out to the press. I've observed the royals closely for a decade, and I've seen cruel stories, blatantly untrue 'exclusives', relatives of royals targeted, but I have never seen anything like this. What better way for the Queen and the Royal family to show how warmly they have welcomed Meghan than to invite her for Christmas?
Meghan will need one rather large suitcase as Christmas Day alone requires a number of outfit changes. The Duchess of York famously complained about having to change seven times. From a stylish but serviceable warm coat and hat for the church service to an elegant gown and jewels for the evening, successfully navigating the sartorial requirements of the day is no mean feat.
The festivities are a three-day affair for the Royal family, commencing on Christmas eve when immediate and extended family members descend on the leafy Norfolk Estate. The Sunday Times reports it's likely Harry and Meghan will stay at Anmer Hall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's country pile, also located on the estate, joining the Queen and other members each day.
If true, I think it's a lovely idea and a very relaxed way for Meghan to spend her first Christmas with the royals. Indeed, they'll be there to see Prince George and Princess Charlotte opening their stockings. During the engagement, Meghan said Kate's been "wonderful". I'm sure they'll both be getting ready together before heading over to Sandringham House.
Prince Philip has been enjoying much of his retirement on the estate and nothing gives him and the Queen more pleasure than welcoming at least a twenty-five-strong crowd. At 4 pm, the family gathers in the White Drawing Room for Earl Grey tea, cakes, home-made scones and a chat.
The Queen encourages the younger royals to add decorations and finishing touches to the tree - a Norfolk spruce taken from the estate. In fact, the Queen adores Christmas trees and has one in each room. The Master of the Household then gives each member a timetable and room plan, so they know where to be and when. Below, we see Meghan decorating the tree with friends last year.
The Queen will then give the go ahead for gifts to be presented and opened. They are not opened on Christmas Day, as the Queen adheres to strict observance of the religious festival. Trestle tables are laid out in the nearby Red Drawing Room, with sections marked off showing each family member's gifts, laid out in order of precedence. When it comes to gifts, the royals love to show their humour, shunning expensive gifts in favour of items with a good dollop of fun attached. Harry is a dab hand at this already, once giving his grandmother a shower cap with the slogan 'Ain't Life a Bitch'. Royals also love to get creative, and foodie Meghan may opt to prepare edible treats. Apparently she makes a mean berry crumble!
The gifts will be accompanied with cards and notes written in her beautiful handwriting. Meghan once worked as a professional calligrapher. She wrote a special note for Santa and shared it on her Instagram page.
All that gift opening is thirsty work! Next, it's time for Martinis and cider. Then it's back to their rooms for baths and another change of clothes. After a gong at 8 pm, guests are seated for dinner. Men will be dressed in black tie, while women will be draped in full-length gowns. The candlelit three-course meal usually consists of lamb or locally sourced game. Once dinner is finished, the women move to another room for coffee, whilst the men enjoy liqueurs. Afterwards, the Cambridges and Harry and Meghan will return to Anmer for a good night's sleep.
On Christmas morning, Meghan will mark a significant royal milestone as she joins the Royal family for the annual walk to the picturesque St Mary Magdalene Church.
Upon return to the house it is yet another outfit change before they all sit down for Christmas lunch at 1.15 pm. Norfolk turkey accompanied by a selection of cold meats and a variety of side dishes is served. At precisely 3 pm the family gathers round to watch the Queen's Christmas message. The evening consists of a walk around the estate, board games, television and drinks.
The Sunday Times added that "a friend of Harry’s said: 'Now they are engaged it was unthinkable that they would be apart for Christmas. The Royal family have fully welcomed Meghan into the fold.' On Boxing Day, guests traditionally take part in a pheasant shoot on the 20,000-acre estate, although Markle, who is thought to be opposed to blood sports, is unlikely to join in".
From there, it's reported Harry and Meghan will ring in the New Year in LA with Meghan's mother Doria Ragland. Kensington Palace confirmed Meghan would be travelling for several weeks before the wedding to spend quality time with family and friends. I imagine it's quite possible the trip to California could be the beginning of the time away. January is traditionally a very quiet month on the royal calendar; perhaps Harry and Meghan will spend it abroad?
Kensington Palace is expected to confirm Meghan's attendance at Sandringham closer to the date. I for one will be delighted to see her taking her place beside Harry on the day. It will no doubt be an unforgettable Christmas for both of them - their first together - and a lovely opportunity to unwind and relax before the hustle and bustle of wedding planning in 2018!