As the holiday season approaches, anticipation builds around the royal family’s Christmas gathering at Sandringham.
This year’s celebration promises to be particularly poignant, given the challenges faced by the Windsors over the past months.
King Charles III has extended an invitation to Queen Camilla‘s children, marking a notable shift in tradition, but notably absent from the guest list is his own son, Prince Harry.
The royal family is set to convene at Sandringham, a cherished location for their holiday festivities.
With a record number of guests expected—up to 45—there’s a sense of excitement in the air.
This gathering will not only be a time for celebration but also a moment for reflection, as the family has endured a tough year.
King Charles continues his battle with cancer, while Catherine, Princess of Wales, has also faced her own health struggles.
Adding to the mix, Queen Camilla recently recovered from pneumonia, making this year’s reunion even more significant.
Traditionally, the royal Christmas vacation lasts several days, filled with solemn church services and cozy dinners in the parlour.
However, this year will see a change, as dinner will be served in the banqueting hall to accommodate the larger gathering.
The atmosphere is expected to be warm and familial, providing a much-needed respite for the royals.
In an unprecedented move, Tom Parker Bowles, Camilla’s son from her first marriage, will be attending Sandringham with his children.
This marks the first time in history that the King’s stepson has been invited to join the royal festivities.
Tom expressed his enthusiasm, sharing that his mother had longed for this moment.
“I really wish you could come; it’s been a long time since I’ve celebrated Christmas with you,” he recounted her words.
Reflecting on the past two years, Tom acknowledged the difficulties faced by the royal family.
“The older you get, the more you realize mortality, especially with disease and everything else,” he noted.
His presence at Sandringham is sure to add a new dynamic to the gathering.
However, the absence of Prince Harry and his family looms large over the festivities.
Relations between Harry, his father, and brother William remain strained, and no efforts have been made to mend these ties.
As a result, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, residing in California, will not be part of this year’s celebration.
Instead, they are likely to spend the holiday quietly, perhaps with Meghan’s mother, Doria.
Harry’s absence from the royal Christmas is not a new occurrence; this will not be the first time he has missed the family gathering.
Meanwhile, the guest list is expected to include the Prince and Princess of Wales along with their children, the King’s brothers and their families, and the Princess Royal with her children.
Speculation surrounds whether Princess Eugenie of York will attend, given her supportive stance towards Harry and Meghan, contrasting with her sister Princess Beatrice.
Interestingly, this year brings a culinary change to the royal table.
