King Charles had to give his special room at Sandringham to his younger brother Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones, who is now the Duchess of Edinburgh. This made King Charles really mad during a Christmas visit because he couldn’t stay in his favorite room.
In Christmas 1999, royal commentator and Princess Diana’s close friend, Richard Kay, shared that there was some holiday tension at Sandringham. Charles was told he had to give up his favorite rooms to his younger brother Edward and his new wife, Sophie Rhys-Jones (now Duchess of Edinburgh).
Despite Charles being divorced and not remarried at the time, it was decided that Edward and Sophie needed the rooms more. Mr. Kay noted that Charles, who really values his comfort, was quite upset, but he had to follow the Queen’s rules during the crowded Christmas gathering.
The practical reason for the accommodation arrangements is explained by Richard Kay, who mentioned that royal ladies need space for a variety of outfits, changing multiple times a day, and wearing different evening attire, while men stick to black tie.
Camilla wasn’t included in the royal Christmas at Sandringham until 2005 when she and Charles got married. A former royal courtier noted that the Christmas after their marriage was notably relaxed, and Charles was especially happy to have his favorite suite back.
Christmas holds great significance for the Royal Family, with Queen Elizabeth’s Sandringham tradition continuing for decades. King Charles maintained this tradition last year, inviting the family to the Norfolk estate for the first celebration since the late Queen’s passing.
This year’s Sandringham celebrations include an expanded guest list, featuring Queen Camilla’s children and grandchildren. Camilla’s children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, from her first marriage, will join the Royal Family at the Norfolk estate. Fergie is also welcomed back into the fold 30 years after her divorce from Prince Andrew.
With the notable exception of Harry and Meghan, the guestlist reflects the evolving and strengthened bond within the blended family in the aftermath of the Queen and Prince Philip’s passing.
