23 December 2023 , 12:34
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King Charles's old butler has given an unusual insight into the royals' Christmas traditions. He has even guessed what Prince William might be gifting his wife Princess Kate this year.
It's well known that the royals are partial to giving each other cheeky gifts at Christmastime, like many families across the country. But this year Prince William is set to gift Princess Kate something special, The Daily Express reports.
The family will congregate at Sandringham on Christmas Eve, as they do every year and unwrap Christmas gifts alongside their afternoon tea. In fact, the exact time the present exchange takes place is thought to be around 6pm in Sandringham's white drawing room.
The royals have to sneakily place their gifts in the room earlier that afternoon without being caught. King Charles' former butler, Grant Harold, has offered a rare insight into the festive habits of the royals, and their gift giving practices.
Prince William is set to gift Princess Kate something special (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Mr Harrold said: "Christmas presents with the royals are always jokey. They’re always a bit of fun.
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"But with William and Kate, I’m sure they will give each other something nice that they will like. Kate will probably get a watch or some jewellery from William."
The former royal butler revealed that the late Queen Elizabeth was a "huge advocate" for Christmas and "wanted everyone together". Apparently, King Charles will want the same too.
Harrold added: "Christmas is very much a time for the Royal family to be together. It’s a time of caring and being there for each other.
"Prince Albert was a huge advocate for Christmas and so was the Queen. She wanted everyone there and enjoying themselves.
"They’ve worked so hard to make Christmas an important time for the family. The King will do what he can to carry on that tradition as it has been what he’s used to while growing up."
Prince Harry has even spoke about how the royals were likely to spend their Christmas. In his memoir Spare, he wrote: "The whole family gathered to open gifts on Christmas Eve, as always, a German tradition that survived the anglicizing of the family surname from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor.
"We were at Sandringham in a big room with a long table covered with white cloth and white name cards. By custom, at the start of the night, each of us located our place, stood before our mound of presents.
"Then suddenly, everyone began opening at the same time. A free-for-all, with scores of family members talking at once and pulling at bows and tearing at wrapping paper."