They may be royal but they’re still a family -- and just like the rest of us, the Windsors have their own holiday traditions and fun.
It’s not yet clear if she’ll still make the trip, as the Omicron Covid variant is now wreaking havoc across the UK. A pre-Christmas lunch the monarch hosts for extended family has already been canceled as a precaution, a source at Buckingham Palace told CNN Thursday. The annual event is normally an opportunity for her to spend time with the wider family in the lead up to Christmas before relocating to the countryside. But it was felt the meal would put too many people's Christmas arrangements at risk if it went ahead, according to the source. While there is “regret” that it’s been called off, the source added, the decision was believed to have been “the right thing to do.” Immediate family members have traditionally gathered to celebrate the festive season at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, about 100 miles north of London, though they did relocate to Windsor Castle in the ‘60s when the monarch’s children were still tiny. Unlike Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle, Sandringham is the Queen's privately owned house. Being there gives her time with her loved ones, away from cameras and the public's watchful gaze. It's an opportunity to unwind and enjoy each other's company, but because of space issues, invitations to Christmas are usually only extended to immediate family.
Christmas morning features another tradition inherited from Victoria, dating back to the 16th century -- the family's pilgrimage on foot to St. Mary Magdalene Church, which is also located on Sandringham's sprawling 20,000-acre estate (the Queen travels there by car). While the Queen is a deeply religious person, it is not yet clear whether the event will be able to take place as the UK grapples to curb the spread of the Omicron variant. It won't escape the Queen's thoughts that her family's presence could invite the public to gather along the route.
Away from Sandringham, there are other traditions to be upheld. Family, friends and the royal household usually receive one of the 750 cards featuring a treasured family photo that the Queen sends out each year. Other recipients can include British and Commonwealth Prime Ministers, Governors-General and High Commissions.
The Queen and the Sultan. Elizabeth II was all smiles as she welcomed the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, in person at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. The Middle Eastern ruler was accompanied by his wife and first lady, Sayyida Ahad bint Abdullah Al Busaidiyah. Charles and Camilla spread Christmas cheer. More royal family members are getting into the holiday spirit with Christmas only a week away. The Prince of Wales and his wife, Camilla, met volunteers and support staff at a foodbank in southwest London on Tuesday. During the visit, the pair expressed their gratitude to those working there to support the community. A day later, Camilla got a little help decorating the Clarence House Christmas tree when children from two charities of which she is patron paid her a visit. Her special guests were treated to festive musical arrangements performed by the Band of the Welsh Guards. You can watch a clip of the fun and games here. Formula One superstar Lewis Hamilton received a knighthood from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on Wednesday for his stellar career and contributions to motorsport. Hamilton's knighthood came just days after the Brit fell agonizingly short of winning a record eighth title following a dramatic showdown with Max Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 36-year-old is the fourth F1 driver to be knighted, following in the footsteps of Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart. Hamilton, though, is the first to be awarded the honor while still racing. (Reporting by CNN's Duarte Mendonca)
Historically, the royals adore Christmas trees. In fact, Queen Charlotte, consort of George III, is credited with having introduced the custom to the royal family. That fervor also extended to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who helped popularize the tradition across the nation. These days the Queen and her family usually put final touches on their Christmas tree together.
The pandemic led to some major disruptions for families across the UK last year -- and the royal family was no exception. Restrictions meant that we didn't get as many royal moments over the festive period -- the usual Christmas day family walk to church, for example.
A room fit for a prince. The Omicron variant might be pushing Covid-19 cases back up once more but that isn't stopping us from continuing to add to our travel bucket lists. Undoubtedly one of the coolest destinations in the world is Sweden's Icehotel, and it's just launched its 32nd incarnation with a dash of royal magic. That's because it features a brand-new room designed by Prince Carl Philip of Sweden! Named "Midsummer Night's Dream," the deluxe suite features walls adorned with ice blocks filled with colorful flowers and fauna and a stunning ice chandelier hangs from the ceiling. The seasonal hotel is located 124 miles north of the Arctic circle in Jukkasjärvi. Find out more here. Crown Princess of Denmark tests positive for Covid-19. Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark, has tested positive for Covid-19, according to a statement posted on the Royal House's website Wednesday. "Her Royal Highness is staying in isolation at Frederik VIII's Palace at Amalienborg. There is no indication that others in the family are infected," the statement read. The palace added that the Royal House was "receiving advice from the Danish Patient Safety Authority concerning detection of infection. The Crown Princess will remain in isolation until it is once again safe to end the isolation according to the applicable guidelines." (Reporting by CNN's Martin Goillandeau) Dutch royals break Covid-19 rules. The Dutch king, Willem-Alexander, has admitted it "was not right" to throw an outdoor party for Princess Amalia's 18th birthday, falling outside government Covid-19 guidelines. According to a letter sent by Prime Minister Mark Rutte to the Dutch parliament, dated Thursday, the royals hosted 21 people in the park near the royal palace the Saturday before. Current government advice means people in the Netherlands should have no more than four visitors over the age of 13 in their home per day. The park is considered part of the private home of the royal family, a government spokesperson told CNN. Read the full story.
"My father, as Lord High Admiral himself, was extremely proud of his links to this College, and it was here that my mother and father first met in the Captain’s garden, while my grandfather, King George VI, carried out the inspection of your predecessors. For myself, it is somewhat alarming to think that 50 years ago I was standing where you are as part of Blake Division on the eve of my own Naval service which, to this day, I still look back on with great fondness and pride. "
– Prince Charles reflects on his family's close ties to Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth during a visit on Thursday Charles attended a six-week course at the naval college in September 1971, after which he served on the guided missile destroyer HMS Norfolk and two frigates. Later in his navy career, he qualified as a helicopter pilot and joined the 845 Naval Air Squadron, which operated from the commando carrier HMS Hermes.
Thanks for reading today’s send – hopefully we brought a bit of festive cheer to your Friday. We won’t be sending out an edition next week on Christmas Eve but will be back the following week. To those who are celebrating, we hope you have a restful holiday season with your loved ones. Happy holidays! --Max & Lauren ROYAL NEWS You are receiving this newsletter because you're subscribed to Royal News.
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