12 royal Christmas traditions revealed by expert who says everyone must follow specific etiquette rules

THESE are the 12 royal Christmas traditions every royal must follow, according to an expert.

The Royal Family will be heading back to Sandringham for the festivities this year.

The Norfolk estate is expected to have much more of a family feel compared to Windsor.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams revealed the 12 traditions the family will be following.

From etiquette rules to tree decorating, this is everything we know about the Royals' Christmas plans.

Arriving at Sandringham

Richard told The Sun Online the family arrive at Sandringham on Christmas Eve.

Members will arrive in order of seniority.

Richard said: "The royals usually arrive the day before Christmas and they arrive in order of seniority.

"The least important members arrive first."

Decorating of the tree

After everyone has arrived at the estate the day before Christmas, they will gather and decorate.

In traditions that date back centuries, the family will finish hanging decorations on the Christmas trees together.

Christmas presents

On Christmas Eve, the family will exchange joke gifts.

Richard said: "The presents are laid out in the red drawing room at Sandringham and these are joke gifts.

"The Royal's don't give each other expensive presents.

"It's a joke or cheap present - what do you give to the family who has everything.

"On Diana's first Christmas, she didn't know that they gave cheap joke gifts so she gave expensive presents and felt awkward.

"It's Harry giving the Queen a bath hat [and] Kate giving Harry a grow-your-own girlfriend kit, it's fun."

Formal black tie dinner

On Christmas Eve night, the Royal's will have a formal black tie dinner.

Everyone is invited and must dress up.

The chefs will cook a huge dinner to wrap up the day before Christmas.

Visit to church

On Christmas morning, for those in the family who want to, they can attend St Mary's Church on the grounds.

This will be a private, intimate gathering without cameras or spectators.

A public church visit

Senior members of the Royal Family have a duty to attend church in a public display.

Cameras will capture the family walking to church for a service.

Christmas lunch

The family will then return from church to a traditional Christmas dinner.

It will include three courses.

A royal expert recently took to TikTok revealing bizarre etiquette rules for the lunch.

They include a salt and pepper ritual, how to hold glasses and a cue for everyone to stop eating.

Christmas walks

The Family will then walk off their huge Christmas lunch.

They carry out a private walk around the grounds of Sandringham so the kids can get some fresh air and play.

The King's message

After their stroll, the entire family traditionally gather to watch the King's Christmas message.

The pre-recorded address to the nation was filmed on Tuesday, it is understood.

It will be broadcast at 3pm on BBC One.

Afternoon tea

A light afternoon tea will then be put on for the Firm.

As the day comes draws to a close, the adults can relax while the children play with their gifts.

Evening buffet

The festive day will come to an end with an evening buffet.

With a few nibbles the family will wind down and have quality time together.

Games

While enjoying the evening buffet, it's understood the family will play games.

Although it's not certain which they play, Richard said it is likely they play charades.