It looks like Queen Elizabeth is about to break a longstanding tradition.
According to The Sun, Her Majesty is planning to hold her annual family Christmas lunch next Tuesday. But this time, it won't be at Buckingham Palace. Instead, according to the report, the gathering is set to take place at Windsor Castle and will include roughly 50 members of the royal family.
The holiday festivities will include wine and crackers and a large feast with the queen's extended family. It will also mark her first celebration in 73 years without her late husband, Prince Philip.
The Sun also reports that Queen Elizabeth will be heading to Sandringham on Christmas Day, although Buckingham Palace has yet to confirm the monarch's plans for this year.
Due to Covid 19-related concerns in 2020, the royals celebrated Christmas apart and the queen stayed with her late husband at Windsor Castle for the first time in 33 years. But in 2019, the traditional lunch was in full swing. Guests included Prince William, Kate Middleton, Camilla, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Princess Beatrice—all of whom were spotted driving up to the palace gates.
The new report on Queen Elizabeth's holiday plans comes just a few days after she penned rare statement for the crew of HMS Queen Elizabeth, adding a personal sign-off. She wrote, "I send my best wishes to the 1,200 Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and United States Navy and Marine Corps personnel onboard the ship."
She added, "I was pleased to hear of the important work you have undertaken to build relationships between the United Kingdom and more than twenty nations during your seven-month long deployment. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the wider Carrier Strike Group and hope you all have a most enjoyable and restful Christmas with your families.”
We hope the queen also enjoys a well-deserved, restful Christmas with the royal family.
Stay up-to-date on every breaking royal family story by subscribing here.
