Prince William reportedly wants to modernize Christmas by ditching some major royal traditions.
William’s Royal Christmas Plans
“Every year, the royals truly let their hair down and show off their sense of humor while having a gentle dig at each other out of the gaze of the public domain,” royal expert Neil Sean told Fox News. “Every Christmas Eve, the famous trestle table is set up. And depending on your seniority, you go up and get your Christmas present. These are £1 and £5 joke presents, an idea started by Queen Elizabeth II.”
“According to this recent report, William wants to get rid of it because he believes it’s forced,” Sean continued. “But the report is wrong. What William wants to do is include more participation from palace staff, where they could mingle. My sources tell me William enjoys the informal gatherings hosted by Princess Catherine’s family and wants to move in that direction. More family-oriented, less formal, and less about seniority.”
William Despises Royal Christmas Walk
Sean went on to say that William is specifically planning to overhaul one hugely beloved royal tradition.
“Another tradition that is up for discussion is the famous Christmas Day walk to church,” Sean revealed. “It is well received and loved by all, according to the source. William thinks this also needs a radical rethink. He does not necessarily like being on display on what he views as a private and sacred day.”
“However, while sometimes clashing with King Charles, he understands the public’s wish to see the royal family informally,” he added. “For the king, however, it’s important to interact with the public who give up part of their Christmas Day to meet the royals.”
Aside from Charles, William’s wife Kate Middleton is reportedly also very much in favor of maintaining the tradition of the annual Christmas walk.
“According to my source, this is one area that William and Catherine don’t necessarily agree on,” Sean claimed. He explained that Kate shares the same mindset as her father-in-law. “But like with so many things, it is all up for discussion in the future of the monarchy under King William.”
William Wants ‘Less Pomp, More Purpose’
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich also spoke out to say that William takes issue with the “hierarchical nature” of distributing gag gifts among the royals at Christmas. Instead of continuing with this, William reportedly wants to introduce a more informal celebration when he eventually becomes king.
“[William] rejects this sort of pecking order,” Fordwich explained. “He isn’t comfortable with rigid class distinctions in general, which is consistent and a common theme regarding everything he touches. He wants his courtiers to feel less stiff, but he does his utmost to balance the monarchy’s pageantry while updating it to keep a degree of mystique.”
“An example of this is that staff at the Duchy of Cornwall are no longer expected to wear ties during his visits, conveying a more casual atmosphere,” she stated. “At Adelaide Cottage, he’s fine with children running in and out. He’s already relaxed formal protocols of mandatory bowing and curtseying, making interactions more relatable — and as natural as meeting a future king can be. He’s all for less pomp, more purpose.”
William is next in line for the throne behind his father King Charles, who has been battling an unspecified form of cancer for over a year. It will certainly be interesting to see what the royal Christmas looks like when William becomes king someday!