Royal Family's huge Christmas tradition in lavish room on King's Sandringham Estate

King Charles will address the nation at 3pm on Christmas Day from the saloon at Sandringham House - and it's also where the Royal Family gather to watch the speech

The royals who arrive at Sandringham to celebrate Christmas with King Charles and Queen Camilla are greeted by a jam-packed schedule. The monarch may have modernised things a bit since his reign began, but little has changed from the late Queen Elizabeth's era as hostess, when a strict 72-hour festive timetable was handed out by the Master of the Household.

This included detailed instructions on when guests should wake up, gather for drinks, eat meals and even retire to bed. "The schedule still exists and it's really quite exhausting," reveals Royal author Robert Jobson. "One minute you're doing one thing, then you have to change for drinks, then get changed again for dinner."

After what is often described by guests over the years as a joyous, albeit chaotic, Christmas Eve where everyone gathers to open their presents, Christmas Day involves many elements. These include the famous walk to church - the only part of the royals' festivities which are not private - a glass or two of bubbly (Veuve Clicquot Champagne) and then Christmas dinner, served promptly at 1pm.

The Christmas festivities at Sandringham are nothing short of a regal affair. After the Christmas dinner and the merriment of pulling novelty crackers—complete with the corny jokes that the late Queen adored—everyone congregates in the stunning saloon, a favourite spot for their traditional afternoon tea on Christmas Eve.

"They retire there to watch the King's pre-recorded Christmas message at 3pm, all standing for the National Anthem," reveals Royal expert Jobson. The elegant double-height room, equipped with a Minstrel's gallery, rich wood panelling, and ornate chandeliers, transforms into a cozy entertainment hub where the family engages in television viewing and games.

They may even venture out for an afternoon stroll through the grounds, weather permitting. This nineteenth-century saloon, grand and welcoming at the house's entrance, has long been the favoured gathering spot for the Royal Family, adorned with a wooden dining table, cream sofas, and a piano that displays family photos.

Here, in this luxurious setting, the King, his family, and numerous grandchildren will assemble to view His Majesty’s heartfelt Christmas broadcast—an event that holds a place as established in British traditions as the Christmas dinner or tuning in to beloved festive TV shows.