A Royal Christmas; Traditions in grade listed locations

A woman with dark hair is smiling and wearing a black-and-white patterned blouse with a necklace. She is in front of a plain background.

By Joanne Townsend Administration Assistant

Large historic mansion with ornate architecture, multiple chimneys, and manicured hedges on a sunny day.

Share

With the festive season upon us we thought we would take a look at some of the traditions of our Royal family and how they celebrate this wonderful time of year in their grade listed family homes. There are many long-standing Christmas traditions that the family uphold which all blend pageantry, faith and family. From festive gatherings at Sandringham House, to the King’s televised Christmas broadcast, there are so many customs that over the years have reflected both continuity and change within the British monarchy.

A Royal Christmas at grade II listed Sandringham

For more than a century the Royal family have marked Christmas at Sandringham House, this magnificent grade II listed property is located in Sandringham village which is a civil parish in Norfolk. Queen Victoria purchased the stunning Norfolk estate in 1862 as a wedding gift for her son, the future King Edward VII (then Prince of Wales) and his wife Princess Alexandra.

Between 1870 and 1900 the house was almost completely rebuilt in a style described as “frenetic Jacobean”. Once the house was finished, they established its tradition of being a loved royal retreat. It then gradually became the royal family’s preferred place for an intimate, private Christmas. The custom continued over generations and members of the family arrive in stages on Christmas Eve, each according to rank which shows the monarchy’s sense of order.

Unlike most British families the royals exchange their gifts on Christmas eve, following a German custom introduced by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the 19th century. Gifts are often humorous and modest rather than extravagant and would normally be exchanged in the White Drawing Room after afternoon tea.

Christmas Morning: Church at Sandringham

On Christmas morning the Royal family attend the traditional service at grade II* listed St. Mary Magdalene Church which is a short walk from the main house. Crowds gather outside to greet them as they arrive in hope that they might catch a glimpse of one of the Royals.

After the church service, the family returns to Sandringham for lunch where they enjoy the traditional roast turkey and all the trimmings followed by a more relaxed afternoon.

Historic stone church with a clock tower, surrounded by gravestones and greenery on a sunny day.

The Monarch’s Christmas Broadcast

One of the most iconic traditions is the King’s (formerly Queen’s) Christmas Broadcast, first delivered by King George V in 1932 over the radio from Sandringham. Today, it is televised and streamed globally. The message, written personally by the monarch, reflects on the year’s events and offers words of hope and unity.

The Royal Christmas has subtly evolved. King Charles III has introduced more environmentally conscious practices at Sandringham, such as sourcing sustainable decorations and emphasizing locally produced food. The Royal grandchildren also play a larger role in festivities than they did in past years.

For the Royal family, Christmas is more than a holiday it is a reminder of service, faith, and shared heritage. Whether through the walk to church, the family gift exchange, or the King’s reflective speech, these traditions continue to resonate with the British public.

A large brick building stands behind a pond, surrounded by trees and autumn foliage under a cloudy sky.

In 1977 Sandringham house and its grounds were opened to the public for the first ever time to mark the Queens Silver Jubilee. Today the House and its 60-acre gardens are open to the public seasonally, typically from April to October. The wider 600-acre Royal Parkland, including the children’s play area is open to the public all year round.

If you are thinking of visiting find the most accurate and up to date opening times here: Home – Sandringham Estate.

The royal family’s historic traditions take place in grade listed locations, that have received their status due to their historical significance. Every grade I, II or II* home carries its own historical importance, whether a royal residence or not, and needs to be persevered for generations to come.

Here at Abode, we are specialists in listed property insurance. If you own a listed building and would like to discuss your insurance requirements, please just call us on 01622 476433.