It’s a royal tradition.
This year, like every year, Princess Kate and Prince William alongside other members of the royal family opened and exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day.
The royals apparently chose December 24th due to their German heritage. In Germany, gifts are opened on Christmas Eve and so, the Cambridge family and company are joining this tradition.
Speaking to the Express, former royal chef Darren McGrady said:
“The royals are of German descent so they weave in German traditions to their celebrations.
“After afternoon tea, they open gifts on Christmas Eve, as is the German tradition.”
This is the royal’s first Christmas without Queen Elizabeth. However, the family still plans on gathering together to celebrate at Sandringham.
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On Christmas Eve, the royals gather and place gifts on “trestle tables” to be opened at “teatime”.
On Christmas Day, however, the royals don’t lay around eating Christmas leftovers. They get dressed up and attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church.
This outing gathers crowds who wait outside the church on December 25th in the hope to spot the royals leaving the grounds.
Prince William and Princess Kate’s youngest child Prince Louis will reportedly join his parents and older siblings, George and Charlotte at the service today.
