Royal Family’s Christmas plans thrown into chaos by unlikely arrivals – but King Charles will be so happy to see them

They might be the most famous family in the world, but at Christmas, the royals’ wish list is rather conventional: happiness, good health and being together. Queen Elizabeth II adored having her family around her. “One of the joys of living a long life is watching one’s children, then grandchildren, then great-grandchildren, help decorate the Christmas tree,” she said in her 2015 Christmas message.

His Majesty’s marriage to Queen Camilla has made him head of the kind of blended family millions of us will recognise. He has five grandchildren from his two sons – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Then there’s an additional five step-grandchildren on his wife’s side – Lola, Eliza, Louis (yes, another one), Gus and Freddy.

In previous years, Queen Camilla would slip away after lunch on Christmas Day to quaff red wine with her son, food critic Tom Parker Bowles and daughter Laura Lopes. But, last year, the King opened his doors to her extended clan. “Throw in the Tindalls’ three plus Beatrice and Eugenie’s kids, and it will be chaos – a Christmas dominated by children,” says royal expert Duncan Larcombe. “But kids are a great healer and a great distraction. After the strain caused by the King and Kate’s health battles, the royals will focus on making it a really fun and enchanting Christmas for them. They’ll welcome some light relief, and the children will provide that.”

In 2022, the Duchess of York was invited back into the fold for the first time in 30 years, tucked away with the disgraced Duke of York at Wood Farm, a farmhouse on the estate. But it must have felt like all her Christmases had come at once last year when she was invited to join Prince Andrew and her daughters for the annual walk from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas Day. “They can’t go too mad with the guest list, because they need enough staff at Sandringham to supply the service,” says Robert. “It’s useful that William and Kate have a home, Anmer Hall, on the estate. It means Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton can be involved.”

Some members of the family will be conspicuous in their absence. “I’m sure it’ll play on the King’s mind that he’s unlikely to see Archie and Lilibet, who are expected to remain in California. The whole Harry scenario will loom large over the royals. He’s a very lively character so he’s very much missed, but it’s difficult for the family to trust him.”