The Royal Family’s Christmas is steeped in tradition and has been shaped by generations of royals who have come before. While King Charles will be joined at the Sandringham Estate by most of his family, it is thought that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as well as their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will be absent.

With a Christmas in the Californian sunshine likely on the cards again this year, a top royal expert has examined how the family may choose to spend the day and what the couple will do to “delight” Archie and Lilibet. “Meghan strikes me as a real home-maker and I’m sure everything in Montecito will be exquisitely tasteful, but also child friendly, because Meghan and Harry focus so much on their children and family life,” former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively told OK!

Referring to how the lead up to Christmas will be even more magical for five-year-old Archie and three-year-old Lilibet, Jennie adds: “Their kids are at one of the most magical stages of childhood when everything is spine-tinglingly new and exciting, and Santa is indisputably real.

“I think there is still a lot of the child in Harry as he was always the playful, mischievous one – and I’m sure he throws himself into Christmas fun with Archie and Lilibet.

“Estranged as Harry and Meghan are from so many members of their respective families, Christmas must be more about friends than family. But Doria is a constant in their lives, and Meghan spoke recently about how she loved having her mum nearby.”

The family are expected to spend Christmas in California again ( 
Image:
HSH Alexi Lubomirski)
As for what fun will be in store on the day and how it will dramatically differ from the festive celebrations Prince Harry will remember from is visits to Sandringham, the expert concludes: “I think they will join forces to create a wonderful, sunny, Christmas Day with fabulous food, maybe some friends and lots of games and music.

“In California, they can provide have a bit of a pool party to work off the food and have some fun – all very informal and very different from the Christmas festivities at Sandringham that Harry will remember.”

While Harry and Meghan will likely be spending the Christmas period in the sun, the rest of the Royal Family will return to Norfolk and enjoy many classic traditions which have been shaped by the generations who have come before them.

Speaking ahead of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, royal expert Robert Jobson mused: “On Christmas Eve when all the clan are together, the Queen’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren put the finishing touches to the 20ft Christmas tree in the White Drawing Room.

“Presents will be opened that day at tea time as the royals still keep to the German practice of opening their gifts on Christmas Eve. Gifts are laid out in the Red Drawing Room on a white linen-covered trestle table, with cards marking exactly where the piles of gifts should be put.

“Once everyone has arrived, the royal guests enjoy a traditional Christmas that includes putting the finishing touches on the Christmas tree and the giving of cheap and humorous gifts.”