Queen’s Christmas plans 2020 revealed: Her Majesty and Prince Philip to spend it at Windsor for first time in 33 years
THE Queen has revealed she will spend Christmas with Prince Philip at Windsor Castle for the first time in 33 years.
Her Majesty, 94, usually spends the festive season with her whole family at Sandringham but her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren make up 10 separate households.
Buckingham Palace confirmed today she instead plans to enjoy the day with Prince Philip at Windsor.
This will be the first Christmas away from Sandringham since 1987.
A spokesperson said: “Having considered all the appropriate advice, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh have decided that this year they will spend Christmas quietly in Windsor.”
It is not clear if any of the royal family will be joining them for the celebrations.
Prince Charles will spend Christmas with Camilla at Highgrove, in Gloucestershire but are expecting to see the Queen and Philip at some stage.
The meeting would be socially distanced and outside, a spokesperson said.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have not yet announced their plans.
A source said: “They may see some members of the family but the Queen and Duke understand family will have competing demands over the Christmas period and are content to have a quiet festive period this year.”
The Queen has been locked in a safe “HMS Bubble” at Windsor Castle during lockdown.
The Sun exclusively revealed how servants at Sandringham were told not to expect her back for the Christmas period.
A revolt among estate workers has already thrown the Queen’s festive plans into turmoil after staff refused to quarantine away from their own loved ones.
Normally, a large group of Royals gather at the Norfolk estate, exchanging presents on Christmas Eve.
They then all go to church together on Christmas morning – with hundreds of wellwishers gathering to greet them.
Traditionally, the Queen spent more time at Windsor for the festive period when her children were younger.
But when rewiring was being carried out in 1987, she moved to Sandringham to celebrate and the tradition stuck.
It comes as the UK prepares for Covid rules to be relaxed for five days over Christmas.
Between December 23 and 27, up to three households will be allowed to gather to celebrate together.
