From giving out gifts to members of the Royal Household to the annual trip to Sandringham, the royals are known to cherish their family traditions during the festive season. Now, a new book will explore the history of these customs and how they have influenced the way Christmas is celebrated today.
Due to be launched by the Royal Collection Trust on 18 October, A Royal Christmas will feature photos and documents from the Royal Archives, many of which have never been seen before. Among these are a number of the earliest Christmas cards, which were handmade by Queen Victoria's children for their family, as well as more recent cards featuring photos of the then-Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret by society photographer Marcus Adams.
One of the many historic documents details the food and drink that was served to Queen Victoria and her family on Christmas Day in 1899. The menu started with soup and fish courses, followed by poultry, roast beef and pork, and a dessert of mince pies, plum pudding and orange marmalade.
Personal items that highlight special relationships within the family are also included. A jewelled brooch, given to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1841, features an enamel portrait miniature of their first child in the guise of a cherub. Showing the family's love of theatre, the book features photographs of the young Princess Elizabeth and Margaret performing in Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin and Old Mother Red Riding Boots at Windsor Castle.
Although she now spends Christmas at Sandringham, the Queen still puts on a spectacular festive display at Windsor Castle each December. One tradition, started by Queen Charlotte in the 1790s, that can still be viewed today is the Nordmann Fir that stands in St George's Hall.
It's grown on the nearby Windsor Estate and last year, it was adorned entirely in gold. Embellishments included miniature crowns, pine cone ornaments and twinkling fairy lights, finished with an angel sitting at the very top. It's likely this majestic tree was given the royal seal of approval.
The Christmas displays at the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen are from 1 December 2018 to 6 January 2019 at Windsor Castle, and from 7 December 2018 to 5 January 2019 at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
32 unseen photos of the royal family
