Will Kate Middleton and Prince William ultimately become the ones to modernize the monarchy? If they have anything to say about it, they will — especially when it comes to the royal family's Christmas traditions. Reportedly, Will and Kate are hoping to "relax" things a bit this year rather than continuing to celebrate the holidays in the same formal way the royals have always done.
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This new era of the monarchy seems to be the perfect time to make some changes.
Christmas traditions were always very important to Queen Elizabeth, but now that the family is celebrating a second holiday season without her, it seems as if Will and Kate are hoping to shake things up a bit.
"Charles and William and Kate are trying to relax the rules a little as the royals enter a less stuffy era," a royal insider told Life & Style (via Yahoo!). "The goal is to make for a relaxing environment where everyone can unwind and be themselves."
They may end up keeping some traditions while getting rid of others.
In the past, those celebrating Christmas with the royal family would need to change their outfits several times for different activities during the day, but that could be one of the first traditions to go.
"This year, Charles still wants guests to dress for the black-tie dinner, but they won’t be asked to change three or four times a day like they used to," the source said.
Camilla's children and grandchildren, who are "known for being the life of the party," will also be in attendance.
They still plan on celebrating at Sandringham.
The family's Christmas Day walk at Sandringham, where they stop to greet those who have waited to share their holiday greetings in person, will still happen as planned — and so will their gift exchange.
"They’ll throw in the fun traditions, like exchanging joke gifts," the source said. "They believe it’s the thought that counts. That’s a rule the queen insisted they follow wherever possible."
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Kate wants Christmas to be 'as magical as possible' for her kids.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will even be joining their mom in the kitchen to help make holiday treats.
"They are making dessert and are planning on making pies galore. The children are right by Kate’s side building the gingerbread houses and making cookies, helping with all the dinners during the holiday season — they love being involved," said the insider.
Even as things evolve, the Queen's legacy will remain intact.
"The royals will be honoring Her Majesty in a number of ways," the source said. "It brings them a great deal of pride, and serves as a coping mechanism as they continue to adapt to life without her."
There's no doubt they'll be thinking of her this Christmas — along with those who look back on her memory fondly.
