At 75 years old, King Charles III is faithfully upholding a custom initiated by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, convening the Christmas celebrations at his Norfolk residence, Sandringham.
Grant Harrold, offering a glimpse into the Christmas traditions within the royal walls, shared with the Daily Express, "The Christmas period for the royals is steeped in traditions that span centuries."
Revealing intriguing insights into the monarch's demeanor, Harrold expressed, "The King is a staunch traditionalist, preferring tasks to be executed in a manner reminiscent of a bygone era. This sentiment will persist as the holidays approach."
The royal insider reminisced about his time serving the monarch, highlighting, "One of my cherished moments during the holidays was the King's Christmas parties."
Harrold, who served the then-Prince of Wales from 2004 to 2011, disclosed, "Years ago, there were about 20 attendees; during my tenure, it swelled to 120 people. I can only imagine the current numbers at his Christmas party."
The former butler emphasized the popularity of the King's dinners among royal aides, providing a unique perspective on their employers.
Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Harrold continued, "During my tenure, it was a sit-down meal. I remember sharing a table with Prince William, enjoying a meal with him, the King just behind me. Many thanks for the delightful scandal!"
"The King would deliver a speech, expressing gratitude for everyone's contributions throughout the year. It was a remarkable occasion, one that I truly enjoyed," he added.
Joining the King and Queen for the festivities, Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton, along with their three children, will partake in the celebration.
Post the Christmas morning mass at St Mary Magdalene's Church, the King and Queen will lead the royal family on their traditional walk back to Sandringham. During this walk, the royals will graciously interact with members of the public, exchanging Christmas well-wishes with them.
