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ROYAL FESTIVITY

Here’s what Christmas Day is like for the Royal family… from the presents to the tree

EVERY clan has its own Christmas traditions, and our most famous family is no different.

However, a Royal Christmas looks very different compared to most other families, from the cards through to the pressies and dinner.

 Christmas is a big time for the Royals, with the Queen's message taking centre stage
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Christmas is a big time for the Royals, with the Queen's message taking centre stageCredit: Getty - Pool

For a start, gift giving can be a bit of a headache... after all, what do you get a family which has everything?

That's why members of the Royal family only get each other cheap, jokey gifts.

They open these gag pressies at tea-time on Christmas Eve, rather than on the big day itself like the rest of us.

With Prince Philip running the show, the presents have to be laid out on a table in the drawing room, before everyone opens their gifts in front of each other.

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 The Royals usually spend Christmas in Sandringham Estate, with most of the fam arriving on Christmas Eve
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The Royals usually spend Christmas in Sandringham Estate, with most of the fam arriving on Christmas EveCredit: Lehtikuva

reports that Prince Harry once took the gag gift rule to the extreme with a very rude present for the Queen.

The cheeky prince allgedly got his grandma a shower cap with a slogan across it reading: "Ain't Life A Bitch."

The Queen allegedly loved the funny present, and she's not the only one to enjoy a good festive joke.

Prince Charles' favourite ever gift is reportedly a white leather toilet seat from Princess Anne, which he found so comfy that it now travels with him on his overseas tours.

 The most senior Royals, like Kate, Will, George and Charlotte, will turn up later than the others
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The most senior Royals, like Kate, Will, George and Charlotte, will turn up later than the othersCredit: PA:Press Association

All these ridiculous gifts mean the Royals have to face Christmas shopping like the rest of us.

However, it's usually much less stressful for the Queen - since Harrods has typically stayed open late after hours so our monarch can browse for presents at her leisure.

The famous family also have to think about the tree, which is decorated by the family together after they all arrive at Sandringham House, where the Royals spend their Christmas.

Prince Philip and the Queen will head down a week before Christmas, while the other Royals will arrive on Christmas Eve.

A supportive family

The Queen's famous Christmas message is pre-recorded at Buckingham Palace a few days before Christmas.

She writes it herself, with a hand from a few advisors who are happy to let the Queen take the lead.

When it's aired at 3pm on Christmas Day, the whole family will sit down and watch grandma's speech with pride.

 

They are given specific times to arrive at the Queen's estate, based on their seniority in the family.

Prince Charles will rock up very late in the day, with Wills and Kate, and the kids, also bringing up the rear.

Partners are also invited to come along, but usually this is only allowed if they are married to a Royal.

This is why it's such a big deal that Meghan Markle has an invite to spend Christmas with her in-laws this year, despite her and Harry not tying the knot until May.

 Cheeky Harry once got the Queen a very rude shower cap, while Charles' favourite gift is a toilet seat
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Cheeky Harry once got the Queen a very rude shower cap, while Charles' favourite gift is a toilet seatCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Lucky Meghan has some classic entertainment, as well as a roasted Christmas lunch and a buffet dinner, to look forward to.

Harry and Wills tend to have a kick about on Christmas Eve, while the evening on Christmas Day is all about a family game of Charades.

Royal protocol dictates that nobody can go to bed before the Queen, which you wouldn't think would be too late.

But our monarch loves Christmas charades so much that she allegedly stays up playing until midnight.

 The family will always sit down and watch the Queen's Christmas message when it airs at 3pm
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The family will always sit down and watch the Queen's Christmas message when it airs at 3pmCredit: Getty - Pool

And we've got plenty more Royal news lined up for you.

Previously, we revealed what the Queen gets all her staff for Christmas... and how much the Royal present is worth.

We also shared what the Royals tuck into for their Christmas dinner.

Queen's Christmas tree at Windsor Castle decorated in stunning timelapse footage