TOlle six in the afternoon of December 24th, King Charles III and all his guests at Sandringham will gather in one of the rooms of the Royal residence to exchange gifts. A tradition of German origins very dear to Queen Elizabeth and her husband Philip, which the Royals respect every year, rather than doing it like the rest of the British, on Christmas Day. But in the weeks leading up to it, there are no queues in shops or last minute purchases for the Royal Family. In reality, they think about the gifts nine months in advance.
Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas tradition
Carlo did like his mother and thought about it in advance. Queen Elizabeth completed her Christmas gift list already in March, including all relatives and employees of Buckingham Palace and other Royal residences. The sovereign had a very specific strategy, which over the years allowed her not only to please everyone, but also to guarantee a pleasant and entertaining distribution of gifts on Christmas Eve.
The first to receive Royal gifts are the employees
In the first quarter of the year, Queen Elizabeth asked all her employees to let her know what they would like to receive the following Christmas, in addition to the traditional Christmas Pudding, the Christmas dessert distributed punctually in the palace (over 1500 every year). There are two requirements to be met: in order to be included in the list, assistants, valets and servants had to be in his service for at least a year and offer inexpensive gifts (between 30 and 40 euros), suitable for their position at court.
Inexpensive Royal gifts with guaranteed laughs
When choosing gifts for her relatives, and always attentive to the fashions of the moment, Elizabeth instead took advice from her younger assistants. But for children and grandchildren, even if they were heirs to the throne, the price was significantly lower compared to those of employees: no more than 6 euros each. Rule that had to also be applied to gifts purchased for the sovereign.
Queen Elizabeth at Sandringham for Christmas, December 2018 (IPA)
Shopping in Queen Elizabeth’s favorite shops
The practice perfected by his mother is now also followed by his son Carlo. The definitive list of gifts is finalized in March, giving the sovereign several months to approve the necessary research and purchases made by his collaborators at shops equipped with Royal Warrants, the seal of approval of the royals of England.
The “secret” gift room at Sandringham
The routine is always the same. On the morning of December 24, Sandringham’s servants prepare the so-called “gift room”, covering long tables with white linen tablecloths and filling them with gifts, divided according to the recipient’s name. Then, at six in the afternoon, the doors of the room, which had been closed all day, are finally opened. All Royals, young and old, they make their entrance, rushing towards the tables and opening all the packages at the same time.
Kate Middleton with her children George, Charlotte and Louis at Sandringham on Christmas Day 2022 (Getty Images)
King Charles has made Queen Elizabeth’s rule his own
Among general laughter, this year too the Royals will exchange gifts of little value but very witty, sometimes even inappropriate. Like the shower cap, with the irreverent writing Ain’t life ab***h (Life Sucks), given to Queen Elizabeth years ago. It was a very young Harry who had placed it under the tree.
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