King Charles shakes up royal Christmas – from new guests to banned food

King Charles and Royal Family at Christmas Day 2023

King Charles is hosting Christmas for the Royal Family at Sandringham (Image: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

has in many ways upheld traditions either implemented or followed by his mother the late Queen Elizabeth II, from his annual Christmas Day message to gift-giving on Christmas Eve.

However, for the royals that attend Sandringham on December 25 each year, there will also be some notable changes that the 76-year-old monarch has made since taking to the throne in 2022.

While things have not been radically changed, the King’s own preferences have shaped a number of things about the Royal Family’s Christmas celebrations over the last two years, with more changes likely.

As this year the King has made a radical menu change and has continued his ban on Foie Gras – duck liver which is made by force feeding the animals to fatten their livers.

As this is considered a cruel practice by most animal rights activists, King Charles has reportedly banned the meat from all royal households, despite the fact it used to be served at Christmas.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Royal news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Former royal chef Darren McGrady told Hello! that previously, Harrods gave the family “an entire Foie Gras en croute” for their Christmas buffet every year before the King implemented this change.

It is not known what food item will be used to replace this.

Elsewhere on the dining table at Sandringham on Wednesday, members of the Royal Family can expect to see a lot of organic produce, with many of the ingredients set to be home-grown.

This comes after Charles took over the running of the Sandringham estate in 2017 and since has aimed to make it fully organic,

Don’t miss… [DETAIL]

King Charles on his 2024 Christmas message

King Charles recorded his Christmas message in a chapel this year (Image: Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Besides the food set to be eaten by the Royal Family on the big day, another major change is set to take place at Sandringham this year as a result of the difficult year faced by the royals.

As well as the , Queen Camilla also saw herself feeling unwell over recent months as

Although she is now fully recovered, and grandchildren to Sandringham this year to join the festive celebrations alongside her for the first time ever, a privilege once only given to actual members of the Royal Family before.

With 45 family members set to attend the celebrations on Wednesday, certain things may be changing but the Royal Family are still in for a great day of festive family fun.

Related Posts


This will close in 0 seconds