See inside the opulent room where Royal Family watch King’s speech on Christmas Day
As ever, it is an action-packed schedule that greets the royals who arrive at Sandringham to celebrate Christmas with King Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla. The monarch may have updated things somewhat since his rein began, but little has changed since the late Queen Elizabeth’s time as host, when there was a strictly adhered-to 72-hour festive timetable handed out by the Master of the Household.
Following what is widely described by guests over the years as a joyous, if chaotic, Christmas Eve where everyone gathers to open their presents, Christmas Day involves many elements, including the famous walk to church – the only part of the royals’ festivities which are not private – a glass or two of bubbly (Veuve Clicquot Champagne) and then Christmas dinner, served at precisely 1pm.
After dinner is over and the novelty crackers have been pulled (complete with corny jokes which Charles’ late mother used to particularly relish as she read them aloud), everyone moves to the stunning saloon for another key element of proceedings – which is also often where they enjoy afternoon tea together on Christmas Eve. “They retire there to watch the King’s pre-recorded Christmas message at 3pm, all standing for the National Anthem,” explains Jobson.
The vast, double-height room, complete with Minstrel’s gallery (originally built to house the band, when the space was previously used as a ballroom), wood panelling and chandeliers, is where the gathered royals spend the rest of the afternoon, watching TV and playing games, after which – if the fickle British weather holds – they may go for a brisk walk around the grounds.
The impressive saloon of this nineteenth century house, located at the entrance to the house and spans two floors, has always traditionally been the room in which the royals would meet and relax together, complete with a wooden dining table, cream sofas and a piano, topped with photos.
