Kate Middleton's alcohol rule she can't even stray from at Christmas

Kate Middleton's alcohol rule is something that she and her fellow royals likely follow to this day and Christmas isn't going to change this

Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene 2019
(Image credit: Photo by Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

Kate Middleton's alcohol rule she can't even stray from at Christmas might make her festive season a little different from other people's.

For many people the festive season involves enjoying plenty of delicious food and drink and wrapping up in our best winter coats for family walks and the Royal Family’s Christmas celebrations are no different. They traditionally gather at Sandringham for the festive period and sit down to a classic Christmas dinner and special beverages. However, whilst some of us might indulge a little over Christmas, Kate’s alcohol rule means the Princess of Wales won’t be doing the same. 

This is a rule that she apparently doesn’t stray from - even at Christmas - according to former royal butler Grant Harrold. He previously explained to Hello! that he’s “hand on heart” never seen the royals “drunk” before.

Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2022

(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)
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"I can hand on heart say I have never ever seen a member of the royal family drunk. If we're talking about staff members, that's different ball game!” he claimed at a festive ettiquette event.

Grant went on to explain that they used to attend Christmas parties, describing it as ”hysterical, really good fun” when they got to sit at a table with Prince William. 

He added, “But again, you never saw them drunk, even dare I say Harry, never in person. I’ve never seen any of them drunk."

So it seems that the royals “never” drink alcohol to that level of excess and as a senior member of the Royal Family, it’s likely that the Princess of Wales takes this approach too. Kate’s alcohol rule doesn’t mean she won’t be enjoying any drinks at all on Christmas Day, though, just that she likely won't be getting drunk. 

Princess Charlotte of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Camilla, Queen Consort, Prince George of Wales, King Charles III and Prince William, Prince of Wales attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2022

(Image credit: Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Former royal chef Darren McGrady once revealed that on Christmas Day morning after church the royals return “straight into pre-lunch drinks”. Getting candid with the Mail on Sunday in 2017, he shared that the late Queen Elizabeth apparently used to have a gin and Dubonnet and “everyone else” reportedly sips a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne.

He explained that the Christmas pudding served as dessert after the traditional roast turkey lunch is also very boozy and served with accompaniments that also feature one of the most festive types of alcohol. 

“There is a lot of alcohol in it, but – perhaps for obvious reasons – no coins or trinkets are added. No one wants to be responsible for a Royal choking. The pudding is served at 2pm with brandy butter and brandy sauce for good measure,” Darren disclosed.

Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2022

(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

Kate and Prince William are expected to head to Sandringham once again this December to celebrate Christmas with King Charles and Queen Camilla. Last year was His Majesty’s first Christmas as King and Prince Louis had a special ‘first’ of his own when he made his debut walking to church with the rest of his family on Christmas Day. Now he's made this special appearance once, fans will no doubt be looking forward to seeing the entire Wales family walking together again in 2023.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!