Royal Family news: Surprising and unusual royal Christmas traditions revealed

The Royal Family, just like most families, have many Christmas traditions – some of which are more formal whilst others are considerably more carefree and relaxed. Every year it seems the Windsor family grows and with the newest addition to the family, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, missing his first royal Christmas in favour of spending some down-time with grandma Doria in the USA, what are some of the Royal Family Christmas traditions that he’ll be missing this year?

Each member of the Royal Family, no matter how extended, is invited to the lunch, however, this year, Prince Harry, wife, Meghan, and son, Archie will not be attending as they have chosen to take a six-week-long break from royal duties and have flown the nest to the USA where they are reportedly spending the Christmas holidays with Meghan Markle’s mum, Doria Ragland.

2. Royal Family members host several Christmas parties

The royals serve as patrons for many charities, and during the festive holiday season, they support their respective causes by throwing Christmas parties.

Last year, Prince William and Kate Middleton attended celebrations for military personnel deployed in Cyprus and their families back in London.

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3. The annual Christmas card

Like many families, the royals send out annual Christmas cards, to well-wishers around the world, with family photos.

According to the royals’ official website, the Queen and Prince Philip send around 750 cards in total, which, per Popsugar’s previous report, the Queen likes to start signing while she is on her summer holiday in Balmoral.

4. The Queen travels by train

While the Windsors are known to travel in from every corner of Britain to attend the annual Christmas celebrations in Sandringham, many royal fans will be surprised to find out that the Queen takes a train to King’s Lynn Station in Norfolk, every year.

5. Royal footie

Previously, Popsugar reported that Prince William and Prince Harry like to play a Christmas Eve game of football and kick-ups on the Sandringham Estate alongside members of the staff. Team William is said to wear Aston Villa socks while Team Harry wears Arsenal.