Memorable Family Traditions of Prince William and Princess Kate During the Holiday Season

In early November, Princess Kate, Prince William, and their three children settled into Forest Lodge a grand brick residence tucked within the wooded landscape of the Windsor Castle estate. Their arrival came just as the family began preparing for the festive season, creating the perfect moment to introduce new holiday traditions while gently retiring older ones.

The move aligns with William and Kates ongoing effort to offer Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis as normal a childhood as possible, while also marking Kates first year of being cancer-free.

One of Kates most cherished additions to the familys seasonal routine is her annual Together at Christmas carol service, begun in 2021. Held at Westminster Abbey on December 5 this year, the event has become a beloved hallmark of the holidays. Kate plays a hands-on role in shaping every aspect of the celebration, including guest invitations, program artwork, and the floral decor often designed in collaboration with a horticultural expert.

At home, the family is believed to choose a Christmas tree from the estate grounds. Kate usually leans toward classic red-and-gold accents with warm white lights, and her mother, Carole Middleton, has shared that each child receives a personal tree to decorate in their own rooms.

The family can also enjoy the sparkling light displays of Windsor Great Park Illuminated, located just steps from their residence reminiscent of a similar outing they enjoyed at Sandringham in 2020.

When Lambrook School closes for winter break in mid-December, the Wales family heads to their country home, Anmer Hall, on the Sandringham Estate the royal familys traditional Christmas gathering place. While King Charles hosts a formal adults-only dinner on Christmas Eve, William and Kate often host their own festive celebration at Anmer Hall with the Middleton family. Carole is known for gifting the children Christmas Eve boxes filled with small treats like pajamas, books, and ornaments.

Unlike the royal tradition of exchanging humorous presents on Christmas Eve, Kate reportedly prefers to move away from the custom. William, supportive of the change, is said not to mind bending a few long-standing rules.

The atmosphere at home is relaxed, filled with baking, Christmas movies (including the family favorite Elf), and a playlist that always features Mariah Careys All I Want for Christmas Is You. According to former royal butler Grant Harrold, the children hang their stockings, set out mince pies, and leave milk for Santas reindeer. They also write letters to Father Christmas, typically dropped into a special postbox outside Westminster Abbey.

Prince Louis, known for his spirited nature, drew attention last year after loudly smashing a Terrys Chocolate Orange at Christmas Day church services. William, however, emphasizes that Louis is a very good boy who simply enjoys teasing his siblings. George, meanwhile, is well-behaved in public but, according to William, a completely different ballgame at home.

Christmas Day includes a walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church followed by a large family lunch at Sandringham House, where more than 45 relatives gather. William looks forward especially to the turkey and roast potatoes and has joked that the celebrations can get quite loud. Games are a staple of the day from board games and soccer to cards and even beer pong, where Kates competitive side reportedly shines.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will spend the holidays at home in Montecito with their children, though recent signs hint at a gradual warming of relations between the brothers. Harrys reflective Remembrance Day essay in November was seen by many as a possible peace gesture.

This years Together at Christmas service centers on the theme of love in all its forms a message Kate hopes will encourage unity and compassion during a time when the world can feel increasingly disconnected.

Love is the force that reconnects us all, Kate shares, reflecting the spirit she hopes to bring into the holiday season.

Author: Chloe Ramirez