Kate Middleton and Prince William broke royal tradition with 'riotous' Christmas

The Royal Family has a number of Christmas traditions they follow each year - but back in 2016, the Wales family opted to spend the big day with the Middletons instead

The Royal Family's festive season is steeped in time-honoured customs, from unwrapping gifts on Christmas Eve to attending a holiday service near Sandringham House. However, as the Queen's grandchildren have matured and established their own families, there have been instances where they've chosen to celebrate with their in-laws instead.

Back in 2016, the Wales clan decided to join the Middletons for a quaint Berkshire Christmas in Bucklebury. Eight years prior, the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with young Prince George and Princess Charlotte, deviated from Royal norms to enjoy Christmas Day with the Middleton family in the scenic village of Bucklebury, reports OK!

The royals were snapped making their way to St. Mark's Church in Bucklebury to partake in the Christmas morning service, accompanied by Carole and Michael Middleton, Pippa and James Matthews, and James Middleton.

Typically, the family would have attended the service with the monarch and other prominent royals at St Mary Magdalene's Church on the Sandringham Estate. A source at the time revealed: "The [Prince and Princess of Wales] and their children will have a private Christmas day with the Middleton family." It's understood that the family enjoyed the festivities with the Middletons and caught up with the royals on Boxing Day.

A family friend revealed to The Sun how the Middletons celebrate a very lively Christmas: "Christmas at the Middletons is always a riotous affair. It's very informal."

They added, "Michael puts on fancy dress and everyone has to wear Christmas jumpers. They buy silly presents and it's a lot of fun with great food and games."

When it comes to Sandringham's festive season traditions, Royal expert Robert Jobson spoke to The Express before Queen Elizabeth II passed away, sharing that "On Christmas Eve when all the clan are together, the Queen's grandchildren and great-grandchildren put the finishing touches to the 20ft Christmas tree in the White Drawing Room."

He explained further, "Presents will be opened that day at tea time as the royals still keep to the German practice of opening their gifts on Christmas Eve."

He elucidated, "Gifts are laid out in the Red Drawing Room on a white linen-covered trestle table, with cards marking exactly where the piles of gifts should be put. Once everyone has arrived, the royal guests enjoy a traditional Christmas that includes putting the finishing touches on the Christmas tree and the giving of cheap and humorous gifts."