When it comes to holiday traditions, the British royal family has some rather peculiar customs that have stood the test of time.
One such tradition, which might raise a few eyebrows in today’s world, involves weighing guests during their Christmas visits.
This unusual practice dates back to the early 1900s and has sparked conversations about its relevance in modern society.
According to royal expert Miranda Holder, this quirky custom was introduced by King Edward VIII, who found amusement in weighing his visitors both before and after their festive meals.
The idea was simple: if guests gained weight during their stay, it meant they had fully enjoyed themselves.
In a recent TikTok video, Holder shared her insights, noting how this eccentricity has become an embedded part of royal holiday lore.
While many royal traditions are cherished, this particular one is viewed as outdated and not very politically correct.
Holder points out that the royal family enjoys a bit of eccentricity, especially during the festive season.
However, the act of weighing guests raises questions about body image and societal norms today.
The late Queen Elizabeth II reportedly saw the humor in continuing this custom, given the central role food plays in royal Christmas celebrations.
Gaining approximately 1.4 kilograms during the holiday was seen as a sign of enjoyment, a metric that reflects the lavish feasts typically served at Sandringham, the royal estate where the family celebrates Christmas.
Despite its humorous origins, not everyone has embraced this tradition.
Ingrid Seward, editor of Majesty Magazine, confirmed in a 2018 interview that the custom was still in practice, although its future remains uncertain under King Charles III.
The late Princess Diana, who struggled with bulimia, particularly disliked the tradition, highlighting its potential insensitivity.
During the festive season, the royal family doesn’t celebrate at Buckingham Palace, which is often associated with their public duties.
Instead, they retreat to Sandringham, where they engage in a more private and intimate celebration.
On Christmas Day, they attend services at St. Mary Magdalene Church, greeting well-wishers before returning to the estate for a grand Christmas feast.
