Royal Family makes 'several outfit changes' on Christmas Day (2024)

FAQs

What do the royal family do on Christmas Day? ›

Each year on Christmas Day, the Windsor family comes together for a church service at St. Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate. Though it is said that they have a standing invitation, it is unlikely that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be in attendance with their family this year.

Queen Elizabeth never wears the same outfit twice at important events. Therefore, the sovereign prefers to either change her outfits and if she gets bored of them, she sends them to her dressers, who are then allowed to either wear them themselves or sell them.

Sometimes, the Queen of Britain, Her Royal Majesty Elizabeth II, needs to change clothes up to five times a day – in the case of big celebrations, for example. And not simply the dress she's wearing but the shoes, gloves, jewelry, medals and other accessories and, most important, her hats.

The Royal Family Has A Christmas Tradition Of Weighing Themselves Before Dinner.

Started by Edward VII, guests under the late Queen Elizabeth would weigh themselves upon their arrival on antique scales, before doing the same at the end of their time at Sandringham. Watch: How Many of These Royal Christmas Traditions Does Your Family Practise?

As well as donating money to several charities in Windsor each Christmas, The Queen also gives Christmas trees each year to Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, St. Giles' Cathedral and the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh.

Yes, there really is a long-standing tradition in which the queen asks her guests to step on the ol' scale after Christmas dinner to ensure that everyone “enjoyed themselves” — that is, gained weight.

The Queen has to be on top form to be in charge of the Royal Family every day, and apparently, the monarch has a very strict morning routine, which involves tuning into her favourite radio station, enjoying a cup of tea and a long soak in the bath before getting dressed.

The Queen has five dressers, but she physically dresses herself. It takes a small team to help the Queen look gorgeous: there's Kelly, a deputy dresser and three assistant dressers. But they're just there to lay everything out for her and help her with a zipper or a difficult piece of jewelry.

Apparently, she heads to bed at 10.30pm each evening in order to get a good night's sleep. The bling is stunning, obviously. Regular exercise is also said to help with sleep and Kate leads an active lifestyle, often talking about how she loves to get outdoors – it's thought that she runs or walks every day.

Does Kate dress herself? ›

She gets dressed without a Royal dresser's assistance — The Queen has three — and prefers to shop for clothes herself. When she's ready, she rounds up the kids and takes them to school.

Well, it's just practical. Prince Philip's cousin, Lady Pamela, explained in Sally's biography: “In England, the upper class always have had separate bedrooms. You don't want to be bothered with snoring or someone flinging a leg around. Then when you are feeling cozy you share your room sometimes.

No washing machines

Prince Charles and duch*ess Camilla's clothes are not allowed to be cleaned in washing machines—everything is hand washed.

During a royal meal, you are expected to quietly talk with the person next to you, not anyone across the table, or worse, on the other end of the table. The Queen, and now King Charles, carefully selects who sits where, and they will be seated next to someone they intend to have a purposeful conversation with.

Royal women like Meghan and Kate often keep things casual at official events, wearing affordable brands and easy-to-wear styles, and that includes blue jeans. Here, 20 times royals have worn denim, from Prince Philip and Princess Alexandra in the 1950s to Meghan and Kate today. The Queen isn't one to wear denim.

Darren reveals how at Buckingham Palace, her Majesty eats a course of dessert fruit after her pudding, which is what we know to be sweet foods like tarts, mousses and ice cream. "Sometimes the Queen will miss the pudding course altogether and just have the entrée (main course) and some dessert fruit," he says.

Does the Queen ever cook for herself? McGrady says that while Prince Philip was an “amazing chef” and regularly enjoyed cooking on the grill and having family BBQs on the Balmoral estate, and the younger royals like William, Kate, Meghan and Harry, all enjoy cooking, the Queen herself stays out of the kitchen.

As we saw in Spencer, it is customary for members of the royal family to weigh themselves on antique scales both before and after Christmas dinner—a practice that's been in play since Edward VII's reign between 1901 to 1910. The purpose? To ensure that the guests are being well-fed.

It is estimated the coffin weighs between 250kg and 317kg. As Royal Family members are buried inside a chamber, rather than directly in the ground, their coffins are lined with lead in order to slow decomposition. The lead seals the coffin and prevents moisture from getting in, preserving the body for up to a year.

However, the royals are one step ahead, as they weigh themselves before (and after) the Christmas meal. Shocking as it may sound, the history of this royal tradition is actually quite endearing.

How much does the Queen weigh? ›

Date of Birth: April 21, 1926 Date of Death: September 8, 2022 (Age: 96) Height: 163 cm (5 ft 4) Weight: 70 kg or 154 pounds (approximately) Eye color: Blue Hair Color: Grey Many people think that queens or kings live like in a fairy tale and their life is rich and care free.

“A homemade chutney gift was absolutely spot on - down to earth, practical and frugal - everything Her Majesty loves,” he said. “But it also showed that Kate could relate to the Queen as a normal grandmother and not just the head of state. And it helped forge a bond built on mutual respect and admiration.”

And that's just the warmup to the royal Christmas buffet dinner, which includes 15 to 20 different items, featuring a variety of roasted meats carved right at the table (think: standing rib roast, turkey, ham), seafood, cooked vegetables, gingerbread cookies, a flaming pudding served with brandy butter, and libations ...

In what is surely one of the more peculiar Royal traditions, weighing scales have been used at Christmas dinner in the Royal household since the 1900s, dating back to King Edward VII's reign, who would reportedly ensure that both family members and guests alike were weighed before and after their meal.

There's a Dress Code

Naturally, the royals dress up more than the average family. Most dinners are formal affairs, meaning that women wear dresses and stockings, and men wear trousers and coats. Other guidelines, like wearing modest necklines, apply as well.

If royals need to use the restroom during a meal, they don't announce their intentions. They simply say, “Excuse me,” and leave it at that. If they're not done eating, they cross the utensils so wait staff know not to take the plate.

The one time she did sport a pair of trousers in public was back in 1970, when she was on an official tour of Canada. On this occasion, the Queen opted for a silk troupe suit by Ian Thomas. Watch the Queen with her trusty black bag!

Queen Elizabeth I's speech was 'riddled with holes' says expert. Queen Elizabeth I was the daughter of King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. She reigned from 1558 until her death in 1603. History Extra noted that Queen Elizabeth I “bathed once a month, 'whether she needed it or not'”.

Queen Elizabeth II seldom wore little more than lipstick and a hint of blush for her public appearances, and called upon Clarins Compact Powder for her complexion (the brand made an exclusive lipstick to match her suit for Coronation Day in 1953 to celebrate the Queen's loyalty to them).

Royal residences reportedly keep Yardley soaps on-hand, and per Marie Claire, private guests to Windsor Castle are given Yardley products, too.

What do royals call toilets? ›

"Toilet"

If you're looking for a restroom in Buckingham Palace, ask for the loo or the lavatory.

While her coffin is draped in the Royal Standard – a flag representing the Sovereign and the UK, it will have the Imperial State Crown mounted on it. Additionally, The Queen's orb and her sceptre will also be spread on her coffin before she is laid to rest.

Dinner followed the same formula as lunch. Simple cooked meat and vegetables lead the way, with space for pheasant or venison should the Queen wish. Of course, Queen Elizabeth loved a Sunday roast just as much as anyone else.

Having reportedly made her way through hundreds of pairs, the Queen was said to keep 10 pairs on rotation at a time, each and every one providing the monarch a chunky, two-and-a-quarter inch heel to stand on and a raised insole to lift her foot's arch.

To align with her style, Kate's eyelash extensions are a bit less large and voluminous compared to the Kardashians. They fill out her natural lashes and provide her eyes with defined structure & depth without getting too voluminous.

Kate Middleton's Most Notable Nail Moments - Grazia 2023

Many reported that she wore a mix of Essie's Nail polish in Allure and Bourjois' So Laque Nail Enamel in Rose Lounge, a product that has since been discontinued.

But it seems as though there's a genuine reason for the duch*ess's style choice. It turns out Kate Middleton has a large scar on her hair line, on the left side of her head. This scar has only ever been photographed once in the media, in 2011 when her hair was pulled back from her face.

Kate Middleton and Prince William don't often hold hands or publicly show affection. An unwritten rule saying royals must act professionally could be why they rarely engage in PDA. During rare occasions, the pair's been seen holding hands or touching each other's backs.

The duch*ess of Cambridge has previously revealed she goes to bed at 10.30pm every night, in order to maintain sleep hygiene and a consistent routine, meaning that it's easier for her to nod off.

While it is now common practice for both the bride and groom to give each other a ring as a sign of their eternal devotion, a royal aide explained that Prince William's decision not to wear a ring was 'simply down to personal preference'.

Does Kate have to curtsy to Camilla? ›

According to Royal protocol, Kate, along with other female members of the family including Sophie, duch*ess of Edinburgh, Meghan Markle and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, must curtsey to the King and Queen Camilla as they are the most senior members of the family and male royals are expected to bow their heads.

William Technically Has to Bow to Queen Camilla

“The personal impact is likely the protocol changes that roll into action almost immediately,” an insider said shortly after Charles took the throne. “The family will now have to bow or curtsy to King Charles and Queen [Consort] Camilla.”

She also has tattoos on each of her wrists and a tiger on her left-hand shoulder blade. While she does not appear to have any permanent markings, Princess Kate has experimented with temporary tattoo designs before.

Queen Elizabeth II was a fan of an American cereal brand

The company was given a royal warrant many years ago and is an official supplier to Buckingham Palace. Although Special K may be the Queen's favourite cereal there are also other breakfast delicacies that the monarch has a soft spot for.

As etiquette expert William Hanson explained to Harper's Bazaar, "open-toed shoes are considered informal footwear and inappropriate for formal occasions". While you could argue that a beach clean is hardly a formal occasion, a royal tour is about as formal as you can get.

Speaking to Fabulous, Myka said: 'Underwear and bras are also considered private intimate wear, and for royals to put intimate apparel on display would simply not be done. 'There are a few options to hide bra straps, with one option being a bra that is actually sewn into the piece.

Princess Kate has been wearing wide-legged trousers a lot

This year has seen Princess Kate go for a burgundy pair of wide-legged trousers, and a vibrant red pair, both going down a storm with royal fashion lovers.

The royal family very rarely eat pasta. In fact, it's only really served on special occasions or at dinner parties. Apparently, it's all to do with it being too starchy and filling, and the Queen's simply not into that.

O'Grady spoke about how Queen Elizabeth was never a fan of McDonald's or KFC but did in fact have a hankering for one kind of fast food in particular. The food? Hamburgers. Yes, Her Majesty was similar to the majority of the population in the sense that she loved a hamburger just as much as the next person.

Are royals allowed to eat pizza? ›

“The menus at Buckingham Palace are very traditional French, which wouldn't lean towards having pizza on it,” he told Insider. “Her Majesty's Victorian upbringing dictates that the only thing you would pick up and eat with your fingers is afternoon tea.”

Meghan Markle Cooks for Herself and Prince Harry Every Day

Despite having access to a myriad of other options, Meghan takes the time to prepare home-cooked meals.

Even when she married into the royal family, Meghan continued to cook for Prince Harry every day and has been seen getting very enthused at food tasting events and cooking demonstrations with her husband during visits to places such as Australia and Morocco.

Apparently, she heads to bed at 10.30pm each evening in order to get a good night's sleep. The bling is stunning, obviously. Regular exercise is also said to help with sleep and Kate leads an active lifestyle, often talking about how she loves to get outdoors – it's thought that she runs or walks every day.

The queen was especially fond of sweets, but not so fond of the dentist. Her teeth rotted; they turned black and gave off a foul odor. Eventually, Elizabeth lost so many teeth that people found it difficult to understand her when she spoke.

The Queen has a bath every morning, drawn by her maid while she sips a cup of tea. It's believed that the royals prefer to avoid taking showers, due to their belief that they're for members of the working class.

The Queens Royal Smile looks amazing and has kept all her natural teeth despite her advanced age. She has achieved this using a combination of; Invisalign, porcelain veneers, professional teeth whitening, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Lead-lined coffins slow the body's decomposition by keeping moisture out of the casket. Lead does not decay and so remains airtight, preventing decomposition, but also any smells and gases from being released; not something you want if multiple Royals are sharing a vault or may be moved in the future.

Coffins get tapered to conform to the shape of a human form. A coffin also has a removable lid while caskets have lids with hinges. Coffins are usually made out of wood and lined with cloth interiors. Unlike caskets, they do not have rails that make transportation easier.

They Are Wearing: Salone 2023

It has become tradition for the British royal family to attend a Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church where they are then greeted by crowds outside as the group walk back to the royal residence.

What church do the royals attend on Christmas Day? ›

The King and Camilla, the Queen Consort were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, their children and other senior royals at the Norfolk estate. Crowds gathered outside St Mary Magdalene Church from the early hours.

The royal family arrive at 11am on Christmas day.

With stuffed turkey, glazed ham, or a juicy roast as the centerpiece next to dozens of colorful sides, you might wonder how all this feasting affects the waistline. However, the royals are one step ahead, as they weigh themselves before (and after) the Christmas meal.

As the new Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate receive a majority of their income from a private estate called the Duchy of Cornwall, which was established in 1337 to financially support the heir to the throne, according to CNN.

After dropping the kids off at school, Kate will head out to do whatever errands need to be done. Surprisingly, she does all her shopping herself, even though she's a duch*ess. What is this? She uses her mornings to buy food for the family's daily meals at one of the upmarket grocers on Kensington High Street.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have employed their beloved Norland Nanny for nearly a decade. It is no secret the Prince and Princess of Wales employ a nanny to support their childcare of Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, seven and Prince Louis, four.

And that's just the warmup to the royal Christmas buffet dinner, which includes 15 to 20 different items, featuring a variety of roasted meats carved right at the table (think: standing rib roast, turkey, ham), seafood, cooked vegetables, gingerbread cookies, a flaming pudding served with brandy butter, and libations ...

The Queen is a devout Christian, with a deep sense of religious duty, who attends church on a weekly basis. Prince Charles, despite his interest in other faiths, particularly Islam, has always been a regular churchgoer.

On Christmas Day in 1066, after defeating King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings, William I 'The Conqueror' was crowned King at Westminster Abbey.

It's said that in order to feel fresh for her daily appointments the Queen always went to bed at the same time every night, 11pm, and slept for eight and a half hours – meaning she woke at 7.30am each day.

Why do the royals open presents on Christmas Eve? ›

Well, it's all to do with the Queen's ancestry, which is of German descent. Christmas celebrations start on 24 December in Germany when presents are exchanged. It's also usually the day when the Christmas tree gets decorated.

Every year the pope delivers his Christmas message or “urbi et orbi” at 12:00 pm at the Vatican, which is 6:00 am Eastern Time in the US.

The Queen has a bath every morning, drawn by her maid while she sips a cup of tea. It's believed that the royals prefer to avoid taking showers, due to their belief that they're for members of the working class.

As we saw in Spencer, it is customary for members of the royal family to weigh themselves on antique scales both before and after Christmas dinner—a practice that's been in play since Edward VII's reign between 1901 to 1910. The purpose? To ensure that the guests are being well-fed.