Overview
- Unnamed sources cited by the Mirror and Daily Mail say William intends to keep the light‑hearted £5 gift exchange but remove the pecking‑order element when he eventually hosts Sandringham Christmas as king.
- The long‑standing custom reportedly sees the monarch hand out inexpensive “joke” presents from a table in order of seniority within the family.
- William and Kate are said to favor relaxed celebrations at Anmer Hall in Norfolk with the Middleton family, contrasting with Sandringham’s formal routines.
- Other Sandringham traditions include a black‑tie Christmas Eve dinner with seating by rank, which a source claims William has suggested he would not continue.
- This year’s gathering will not include Andrew Mountbatten Windsor after King Charles removed his royal titles, and Andrew and Sarah Ferguson are reported to be leaving Royal Lodge after Christmas, with Andrew expected to relocate to a property on the private Sandringham estate.