What to Know
The last few years haven’t been easy for the royal family. Between cancer diagnoses for Kate Middleton and King Charles, they’ve also been dealing with Prince Andrew’s scandal, resulting in him losing his title (and his royal residence) permanently as of October.
All of that is adding up to make this one a “wistful” holiday season for the royal family, according to one insider who said that Charles is treating this Christmas as if it’s his last, just in case.
Holiday spirit around the palace isn’t like it once was.
As a source told Us Weekly, Buckingham Palace is fully decorated, as is Windsor Castle and at Sandringham, where the royals spend their Christmas holiday.
“The celebration may carry a wistful tone, however, it will also be a time of celebration, especially after Kate received the all-clear,” the insider said.
They added that Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, are expected to join the royals for their holiday plans this year, and the family wants “to make the most of their time together.”
This is also Will and Kate’s first Christmas since moving in at Forest Lodge, and they intend to make it count. “They love Christmas. They want to create a traditional Christmas without airs and graces, unlike what Charles might have had as a child,” the source added.
Charles knows his “time is precious.”
Amid the celebrating, this Christmas will take a bit of a different tone for Charles, now that he’s battling cancer at 77 years old.
“Charles prioritizes duty, but he’s also a family man who knows his time is precious,” an insider told the outlet. “He wants a special last Christmas in case it’s his last.”
Another source didn’t seem too optimistic when it comes to Charles’ wellbeing, adding, “His health isn’t the best. They’re taking it day by day.”
The original source chimed in, “Charles wants to have a traditional holiday with all the royals. Every family Christmas is precious, but it’s especially so for him this year.”
They’re sticking to tradition this year.
Since Charles’ aim is to have a traditional Christmas surrounded by family, he’s also planning to celebrate the same way he always has, including his Christmas Day address to the UK — something his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, always prioritized.
“Nothing would stop Charles from doing that,” the insider said. “He will do everything expected of him and more.”
Hopefully, Charles still has plenty of Christmas seasons ahead of him, but it’s hard to say what the future truly holds for him and the monarchy.
