Prince William and Kate always eat separately on Christmas Day, as per royal tradition.
Members of the Firm traditionally come together at Sandringham House on December 25 for a festive lunch – but prior to that breakfast means men and women are split up. Christmas Day sees the royals have breakfast at 9 am before attending an 11 am church service at St Mary Magdalene. On their return to the country residence, passed to King Charles III following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, pre-lunch drinks begin immediately.
Former royal chef Darren McGrady explained the ladies eat breakfast in their bedrooms while the men gather in the dining room two hours before they head to church. It’s not exactly clear why, but it means the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as other royal couples, will never eat together.
Speaking in 2017, several years prior to the Queen Elizabeth’s death, Mr McGrady told the Daily Mail: “On Christmas Day, the ladies generally opt for a light breakfast of sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast and coffee delivered to their rooms – the Queen’s tray is delivered at exactly 9 am.
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The male Royals, meanwhile, come downstairs to the dining room for a hearty breakfast at 8.30 am with eggs, bacon and mushrooms, kippers and grilled kidneys, to set them up for the 11 am church service at St Mary Magdalene. When they return, it’s straight into pre-lunch drinks,” he said.
The reason for the separation is not entirely understood, but it could be to allow the women to have more time to prepare their hair and makeup for the much photographed church service. Eating in their rooms will allow for that. Mr McGrady went on to say: “The first time the Royals congregate on Christmas Eve is for afternoon tea at 4 pm, often in the ornate Sandringham saloon under its exquisitely painted ceiling.
“It involves a large cake, usually a ginger cake or honey and cream sponge; a fruit cake would clash with the following day’s Christmas cake. Small cakes and scones feature alongside finger sandwiches (crusts off, served in squares) filled with ham and English mustard, Sage Derby cheese and Branston Pickle or Coronation chicken, with a pot of Earl Grey tea.”
English