King Charles’ Christmas plans could be ‘up in the air’ as ‘younger generation’ look to ‘do their own thing’

King Charles' Christmas plans could break with tradition as it's predicted that 'two or three day' celebrations might be a 'thing of the past'...

King Charles' Christmas plans could change. Seen here as he attends a Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

King Charles’ Christmas plans could reportedly be “up in the air” as the “younger generation” might look to “do their own thing”.  


Whilst it’s been confirmed by Buckingham Palace that King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will be marking Christmas at Sandringham in Norfolk, it’s currently not known which of their close family members could join them. It’s thought that the Prince and Princess of Wales will likely be amongst their guests, meaning a big change for the Middleton family. But when it comes to the structure of the celebrations and which of the other younger royals might also be there, it seems the changes could keep on coming. 

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has expressed her belief that the “younger generation” of royals could “do their own thing” instead…

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge with Prince George of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge attend the Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene

(Image credit: Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

Getting candid with OK!, Jennie suggested that the “two or three day celebrations” we’ve come to expect might come to an end now King Charles is monarch.

She claimed, “The younger generation might want to do their own thing for at least part of the time. So they may just have Christmas lunch [at Sandringham]."

Jennie described the traditional walk to church - where more than a few fans can’t help swooning over Kate Middleton’s Christmas Day outfits - as a “public performance”. Though in private, she said that she thinks the late Queen’s grandchildren might want to spend time with their families.

"I think the King’s Christmas plans might be up in the air a bit," the expert added. "The younger royals will probably want to spend time with their own families, so I think the two or three day celebrations of the past may, indeed, be a thing of the past.”

Savannah Phillips, Autumn Phillips, Prince Harry, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Princess Eugenie and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend a Christmas Day church service

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Instead of most of the late Queen’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren coming together as fans have seen over the years, Jennie suggested that not quite as many people could join the King and Queen Consort going forwards. 

She continued, "While I imagine there will be a gathering at Sandringham, whether it will be quite as extended as it used to be with the Queen, and with quite as many people, I’m not sure. Without the linchpin of the Queen holding together an often fractured family, they may suddenly decide to do their own thing.” 

During the Queen’s reign big family Christmases at Sandringham were a tradition for the Royal Family but due to the pandemic the last festive period held there was back in 2019. 

Queen Elizabeth II leaves church with Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry during the Christmas Day church service

(Image credit: Photo by Danny Martindale/WireImage via Getty)

Given that this is the first Christmas since the Queen’s passing and King Charles’ first as monarch, it’s likely that many royals will descend upon Norfolk for this significant festive season. Though, as Jennie suggested, it’s equally possible that King Charles’ reign could signal a turning point where his nieces and nephews and their families begin to celebrate Christmas separately, or perhaps only attend the Christmas lunch. 

Either way, it's likely this Christmas will be especially significant for the Royal Family and whether they celebrate all together or choose to change things up this December, the Queen will likely be in their thoughts at this special time of year.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!