The royal family gathers at Sandringham each year to celebrate Christmas – but it may not be as regal as everyone thinks.

Members of the Firm join King Charles at his estate in Norfolk, and this year was no different, keeping up the tradition of his late mother, Elizabeth II. Prince William revealed earlier this month at an event for families of the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment at Picton Barracks in Wiltshire that 45 royals would be in attendance at Sandringham this year.

But despite the massive guest list, the residence is one of the smallest and least grand, making it a tight squeeze for the King and Queen Camilla to host their guests. The estate reportedly sleeps around 16 to 18 people comfortably, meaning some guests have to make do with shared rooms and ‘fish finger’ style beds.

King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Catherine, Prince George of Wales react upon arrival to attend the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham ( 
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AFP via Getty Images)
One solution when they run out of beds is to turn the staff quarters into guest rooms, according to an expert. Royal commentator Rebecca English told MailOnline: “In previous years I’ve been told that they’ve actually had to kick staff out of their quarters. And Edward and Sophie were put in some of the staff quarters because they had nowhere else to stay.”

She added, “It sounds more glamorous than it is.” The expert went on to explain that the royals are able to fit so many beds into one room by using old-fashioned “fish finger beds” that come with “creaky bedsprings.”

It is not known how many bedrooms Sandringham house boasts as it is a private residence, however it is believed to be around 30. Guests traditionally arrive in order of seniority on Christmas Eve, with junior royals first.

December 25 begins with breakfast before the royals walk 330ft to attend the 11am Christmas service at the estate’s St Mary Magdalene Church, famously greeting the crowds as they leave. Back at the main house, the family enjoys pre-lunch drinks – Veuve Cliquot champagne being a popular choice – before sitting down for Christmas Dinner at 1pm.

A general view of the front of Anmer Hall on the Sandringham Estate ( 
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Getty Images)
There is no starter, with guests going straight to the main meal of turkey – traditionally ordered from nearby Scoles of Dersingham – with mashed and roast potatoes, stuffing, sprouts, carrots and parsnips, with cranberry and bread sauce. A flaming Christmas pudding, doused in brandy and decorated with holly, is then served with brandy butter and brandy sauce before a cheese course with port.

Earlier this month, Prince William revealed that he was “no way” ready for Christmas this year, but expressed his excitement for long dog walks with his family over the festive period. He said he was also looking forward to spending time with his family members “all in one room”.

On Wednesday, the Princess of Wales sparkled in green as she walked to church in Sandringham, clutching Prince Louis’ hand. King Charles led the Royal Family to church for their traditional Christmas Day service with Queen Camilla by his side.

They were followed by Prince William and Kate, who wore a forest green coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and a matching hat along with a green tartan scarf. Louis held his mum’s hand and looked grown up in a suit and overcoat with a green tie.

Also in the walking party was Princess Anne, Edward and Sophie the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Mike and Zara Tindall and their children, as well as a pregnant Princess Beatrice, her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and his son Wolfie.