Prince William Sparks NEW TENSION Over The Guest List Of Camilla’s Family On Christmas Eve

The Wales family holiday schedule is a whirlwind of activity, with one highlight being their much-anticipated Christmas Carol service, scheduled for December 6th at Westminster Abbey. This cherished annual tradition, spearheaded by Princess Catherine, aims to bring the nation together in a celebration of kindness, community, and giving.

The holiday season has always held special significance for the British royal family, with Christmas gatherings traditionally taking place at Sandringham Estate. While Christmas may look a little different under King Charles’s reign, it won’t be an entirely new experience. In the past, Queen Camilla would often sneak away after Christmas lunch to enjoy a glass of red wine with her son, food critic Tom Parker Bowles, and daughter Laura Lopes. However, last year saw King Charles open his doors to his extended family.

Funny you should mention that—it caused some tension for Prince William. Although the Wales family has often opted out of attending Christmas Day lunch at Sandringham, preferring the informality of a relaxed lunch at Anmer Hall, they are likely to attend this year, especially if Queen Camilla invites her son, Tom Parker Bowles, once again.

For those unfamiliar, Tom Parker Bowles has been a fixture at recent royal gatherings since his mother’s marriage to King Charles. His presence at Sandringham has caused some discomfort for Prince William. While he has made peace with his father’s relationship with Camilla, William is said to feel uneasy around her son, preferring a low-key, relaxed family environment. Royal correspondent Tom Sykes reports that the Wales family often skips the Christmas Day lunch at Sandringham, choosing instead to spend the day at their country residence, Anmer Hall, where they can enjoy a more private celebration. This year, however, the decision may carry more weight, especially as Prince William reportedly feels uncomfortable mingling with Tom Parker Bowles.

In a further break from tradition, insiders have hinted that Prince William and Catherine may be planning an alternative Christmas celebration—a quieter, more intimate gathering with their children and close friends.

So, what changes might King Charles bring to the royal family’s Christmas celebrations? According to expert Larcom, any changes the 76-year-old monarch makes will likely be subtle, at least to the outside world. “I don’t think Charles will exactly rip up the rule book, but there’s a strong chance he’ll loosen some of the rules,” he said. King Charles is likely to do away with some of the customs enforced by his father, the late Prince Philip, who was known for being strict about timings. Experts believe that Charles will adopt a more relaxed approach, which may include relaxing some of the royal protocols that traditionally govern Christmas dinners, such as banning political discussions at the table or requiring family members to remain seated until the monarch finishes eating.

However, Christmas is still expected to look different for the royal family this year, especially considering King Charles’s cancer treatment, which began in February 2024. The holiday is expected to be quieter than last year, although this might not apply to the Wales family, who are reportedly hosting their own rival Christmas celebration at Anmer Hall, their home on the Sandringham estate. The Prince and Princess of Wales have long been considered likely to forgo the custom of gift-giving on Christmas Eve, which they are acutely aware may be viewed as unconventional by the public. They are waiting to see how Charles’s health holds up in the coming months before finalizing their plans.

Meanwhile, a friend of Prince Andrew revealed that Christmas plans have yet to be firmed up. “It’ll be a quieter Christmas than last year, but the question is how quiet,” the source said. “Usually, everyone will know what bits they’re invited to by now, but this year it’s just a wait and see.”