Royal Festivities Evolve as Queen Camilla’s Family Joins King Charles’ Christmas Gathering

This holiday season, the British royal family is set to embrace a fresh dynamic, with Queen Camilla’s children and grandchildren participating in King Charles’ Christmas festivities at Sandringham for the first time, signaling a departure from long-standing traditions.

The royal Christmas celebration at Sandringham House, which traditionally includes a public walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church and a private lunch, will extend its invitation to Queen Camilla’s family, comprising Tom Parker Bowles, Laura Lopes, and their children. This inclusion is a notable change from previous years, as reported by ITV’s royals editor Chris Ship.

In what appears to be a significant revision of royal protocol, the luncheon is expected to be hosted in the grand ballroom, a choice that deviates from the usual dining room setting, perhaps to accommodate the larger assembly.

The palace has yet to comment on the reported changes, which were also mentioned in Chris Ship’s report, quoting an insider familiar with the holiday plans. Queen Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, a regular supporter of official royal events, is also expected to attend.

The festive gathering is also said to include Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, who will be joining along with her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, and their daughters and grandchildren, continuing their tradition from the previous year.

This update follows royal biographer Ingrid Seward’s insights to PEOPLE magazine last year, predicting Queen Camilla’s prominent role in the royal Christmas post-Queen Elizabeth’s passing, alongside King Charles.

As the royal family prepares for the holiday season, it is anticipated that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with their children, will join the procession to the church, marking a united front as the family ushers in a new era of royal celebrations.