The Queen is determined to host a ‘most memorable’ Christmas at Sandringham to make up for last year

The Queen is set to make this Christmas one to remember to make up for having to break tradition for the first time in 33 years last year amid the ongoing covid-19 crisis.

• This year will be Her Majesty’s first Christmas without Prince Philip and hopes to make it “most memorable”.
• The Queen is "looking forward" to hosting Christmas at Sandringham.
• It follows royal news that Prince William and Kate Middleton have a "secret" third home 

It may be her first Christmas without her beloved husband, Prince Philip, but the Queen is determined to make up for lost time, according to a royal expert.

Her Majesty was forced to break tradition for the first time in 33 years last year, when she remained at Windsor Castle for the festive season instead of making the trip to Sandringham where she is traditionally joined by the family.

And, while the covid-19 crisis continues to rumble on in the background, the 95-year-old Monarch is said to be keen to put things right this year, no doubt sticking to tradition and getting her staff this £8 Christmas present as she does every year.

According to royal expert and biographer, Duncan Larcombe, the Queen is ready to “pull out all the stops” to make this year particularly magical.

Detailing the plans in his Woman column, Duncan writes, “They start with the youngest members of the clan coverage on Sandringham’s White Drawing Room on Christmas Eve to help decorate the tree. Christmas officially starts when a gold star is lowered on to the tree, a task that was always performed by Prince Philip.”

The family open their gifts on Christmas Eve before the “grown-ups gather in the dining room for a formal five-course, black-tie dinner of salmon, venison and British beef.”

On Christmas morning, the royal family enjoy breakfast in bed before heading to St Mary Magdalene Church for a traditional Christmas Day service.

While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will remain in America for the festive season, it’s expected that the rest of the royal family will rally around the Queen this Christmas, with Prince William and Kate Middleton expected to spoil the children with three Christmasses in a bid to spend as much time with family as possible.

“Without Philip by her side, the Queen will no doubt be comforted by seeing the youngest members of her family enjoying what has always been her favourite time of the year.”