5 Tips for Kate’s First Christmas with the Queen

Every new bride has to find ways to survive holidays with the in-laws. For the former Kate Middleton, that means navigating the unusual circumstance of spending Christmas with the Queen of England, the grandmother of her husband, Prince William. According to tradition, the entire royal family gathers together every year whether they like it or not. Fortunately for Kate, there are a few tips that can help her have a more comfortable and joyful holiday with her new family.

1. Find other ways to celebrate with your own family.
The Queen’s family celebrates Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk. While other newlyweds might alternate between their families, those who marry into the royal family never again spend the day with their own parents . And, if Kate and William should ever divorce, she would not get to have Christmas with her own children. Since the Duke and Duchess of York divorced in 1996, their daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have stayed with the Queen while their mum often found lodging nearby. The event is strictly family only, however, rumors this year have Kate’s sister Pippa joining her at Sandringham , so the rules may be loosening a bit.

2. Don’t be afraid to shoot something.
Many members of the royal family enjoy hunting, and Sandringham was originally purchased by the Queen’s great-grandfather, King Edward VII, as a great place to shoot pheasants. Although animal rights groups continue to protest this royal hobby and the late Princess Diana did not enjoy it, Kate has not shied away from hunting. Even before her marriage, cameras caught Kate out in the fields with William and his family, and it is said that she has been taking shooting lessons to get ready for this year’s holiday shooting party.

3. Bring comfortable shoes.
Kate is already an international fashion icon whose every look immediately sells out, whether it is an evening gown, a sweater, or a pair of shoes. For the holidays with the royal family, however, she should pay special attention to choose shoes that are not only gorgeous but also comfy. That’s because the whole family, except the 85-year-old Queen, walks to church on Christmas Day. All of the ladies vie with each other for the most feathery headgear, the most stylish coat and the most eye-catching footwear. At the end of the day, though, Kate will be glad if she passed over the stiletto boots for something more practical during that long walk. (See photos of Diana on the walk to Christmas service over the years.)

4. Be prepared to be formal.
Christmas Eve is the main event for the royal family. Gifts are opened after a traditional English tea. Then, everyone scurries to their rooms to change for dinner, which is a full black-tie affair. No sitting around with loosened belt buckles for this crowd. The women wear evening gowns with the men in tuxedos. They also wear crowns, but they are the paper ones that come out of a Christmas cracker.

5. Don’t be offended by a gag gift.
As further evidence of their silly senses of humor, Kate’s new in-laws often find ridiculous gifts for each other. The Queen and most of her relatives have travelled to every corner of the globe and have been presented with opulent gifts at every turn. They have plenty of jewels, books and artwork. What else do they need? Instead, they buy gifts to make each other laugh, like the shower cap Prince Harry is believed to have given the Queen that says, “Ain’t life a b*tch?”

If Kate can navigate the combined formality and silliness of a royal Christmas, she will certainly find her way into royal hearts.


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