By royal biographer Emily Andrews
FAITH, FRIENDSHIP AND FAMILY
Queen Elizabeth II loved Christmas – and for her it was encapsulated by those three virtues. Christmas Day is a work day for the royals, but the late Queen never saw it like that.
Greeting well-wishers outside church at Sandringham and listening to the Christmas service inside was all part of her devout duty and steadfast faith.
King Charles III has retained many of his mother’s festive traditions – the family still gathers together at Sandringham for a black-tie supper on Christmas Eve before a roast turkey lunch after two church services (the King normally goes to the early morning sermon as well as the family service).
But it is the Princess of Wales who is fast becoming the Christmas royal.
This year Kate is again expected to host a Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, which has become something of an annual event.
I understand she loves all the festive traditions at Christmas – and it was her idea to host the concert to celebrate key workers three years ago.
Last year, after the death of our beloved and longest-serving monarch, Kate dedicated the service to the late Queen and paid tribute to her ‘legacy’.
‘Her Majesty held Christmas close to her heart, as a time that brought people together and reminded us of the importance of faith, friendship and family, and to show empathy and compassion,’ the royal said.
‘Her Majesty leaves with us an incredible legacy and one that has deeply inspired many of us.’
For the first time last year Kate brought along Prince George, 10, and Princess Charlotte, eight, so they could enjoy the concert and also to echo that family and faith message.
Prince Louis, five, has done brilliantly this year at the coronation and Trooping the Colour so, having made his Sandringham debut last year, may join the rest of the Wales family for the Christmas carol concert.
Kate’s family, parents Mike and Carole Middleton, brother James and sister Pippa, are always invited, along with senior royals such as the King and Queen Camilla.
Famously, Kate stunned us all with her fantastic piano playing in 2021 alongside pop star Tom Walker.
And while last year she didn’t play (although did for the Eurovision concert in support of Ukraine earlier this year), could another young royal be about to follow suit and perform?
Kate said recently that Princess Charlotte is a keen singer and loves singing the
