Princess Kate recalls her heartfelt first royal Christmas as she prepares a more personalised holiday celebration.
Kate Middleton, known for her adherence to royal traditions, is reportedly planning a unique approach to Christmas at Sandringham this year. Reflecting on her first holiday with the royal family, the Princess of Wales shared a rare memory of feeling anxious about choosing a Christmas gift for the late Queen Elizabeth.
In a 2016 documentary, Kate recalled, “I can remember being at Sandringham for the first time at Christmas and I was worried about what to give the Queen.” Unsure of how to impress the monarch, Kate ultimately decided on a personal touch—making chutney from her grandmother’s recipe. She admitted she was “slightly worried” about the choice, but was touched to see it on the table the next day, a gesture she described as reflective of the Queen’s “thoughtfulness” and “care” for her family.
This year, Kate and Prince William are reportedly planning to introduce new holiday traditions by hosting a separate Christmas celebration at Anmer Hall, inviting Kate’s parents, Mike and Carole Middleton. While this “rival Christmas party” marks a break from the traditional festivities, sources suggest the family will still partake in the customary Christmas Walk to church with the rest of the royals.
Kate’s thoughtful approach to Christmas, balancing personal traditions with royal protocol, reflects her desire to blend family closeness with her public role.
