Waleses Set to Host Their Own Festive Celebration at Anmer Hall, Signaling a Shift from Traditional Royal Customs
Amid growing concerns of a royal rift, Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly planning a "rival Christmas party" at their home on the Sandringham estate, Anmer Hall, instead of fully participating in the usual festivities at Sandringham. The Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to celebrate with Kate’s parents, Mike and Carole Middleton, embracing a more relaxed and "middle-class" approach to the holiday.
The move comes as King Charles continues to battle cancer, and other royal family members, including Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, are said to be waiting to finalize plans based on the King’s health. This year's festivities may see a departure from the traditional format, with the Waleses focusing on a more informal celebration at their residence.
According to a former courtier, Prince William and Princess Kate plan to use social media to share glimpses of their holiday at Anmer Hall. “A little social media of the family eating chocolate and watching TV would be a very effective way of showing how normal Christmas is at Anmer Hall compared to what we hear about at Sandringham,” the source said.
Kate has reportedly always found the royal tradition of exchanging presents on Christmas Eve "weird" and is keen on changing this when she and William eventually take the throne. “It will continue this year at Sandringham in some shape or form, but Christmas at Anmer Hall will be much more relaxed," added a friend of the couple. "You can bet they will be doing proper presents for each other and the kids on Christmas Day.”
There is also speculation that the Waleses may not attend the Sandringham festivities if Queen Camilla invites her son, Tom Parker Bowles, as tensions between William and Camilla remain. Sources indicate that while William has accepted his father's choices, he is uneasy about Camilla's son being part of the celebrations.
The potential "rival" celebration at Anmer Hall could mark a significant shift, as William and Kate continue to emphasize a "normal" family image in contrast to the formal customs of the monarchy. “William is enthusiastic about embracing Kate’s more traditional, down-to-earth conception of Christmas,” said a friend. "It’s always been a slightly covert, rival Christmas party at their house, but it’s going to be much more obvious this year. If they post pictures, it’ll be an official coup attempt."
The couple's approach reflects their efforts to modernize the monarchy and change the narrative around royal life as they prepare for their future roles.
