There is an 'elephant in the room' set to cause 'great sadness' for King Charles this Christmas, according to a royal expert.
Around Christmastime, the royal family gathers and enjoys some much needed time together at the Sandringham Estate - and according to royal expert Jennie Bond, who spoke exclusively to woman&home, this holiday season is likely set to be much more relaxed than past years for the family.
"Christmas for the Royal Family under [King Charles'] reign is likely to be a slightly more relaxed and boisterous affair than in the time of the late Queen," she explained.
They will indulge in all of their usual Christmas traditions, including gathering at Sandringham for the special week - however, Jennie said there will be a great "elephant in the room" this time around, set to bring the family, but particularly King Charles, sadness.
"The elephant in the room…or rather, very much not in the room — will of course be Prince Harry and his family. And that will remain a great sadness for the King, who loves his son, in spite of all that has happened," she said.
But still, even with the loss of Harry and Meghan, Jennie says that she predicts the royal Christmas will still be filled with giggles and fun traditions, especially with new babies like Ernest, the months old son of Princess Eugenie. "With the ever-expanding gang of royal babies, Sandringham will be full of giggles, toddler tantrums and pure, rollicking joy," Jennie continued.
"I’m sure the whole family will find the youngsters' excitement irresistibly contagious."
Additionally, there are speculations of whether Prince Andrew, and consequentially, Sarah Ferguson will be invited, in light of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Jennie says that Andrew will be involved in the Christmas family gathering, and although he is no longer married to Sarah Ferguson, she is "good fun" and the pair are known to have a good friendship.
"Eyebrows might be raised that Prince Andrew is included, but he has consistently been invited to family gatherings like this, in spite of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. And it would be churlish to exclude his ex-wife and 'bestest friend' Sarah, especially when she is still recovering from breast cancer," Jennie further explained.
"Besides which, Sarah is good fun; a vibrant addition to any party, and it would be heartless to separate her from her daughters and grandchildren at Christmas."
-
Pippa Middleton's cosy lodge for parties and Pilates is giving rustic inspiration with log burner and exposed beamsPippa Middleton's cosy lodge with natural wooden accents is the most tranquil Berkshire retreat - and you can book it now
-
M&S sale: The biggest savings across fashion, home and beauty in MayThe M&S sale offers brilliant discounts across all departments, with savings of up to 50% this month
-
King Charles opens up on 'shock' and 'difficulty' of his cancer diagnosis as he holds hands with cancer patientsKing Charles marked his return to public-facing duties with a significant royal visit and shared his feelings about his cancer diagnosis
-
Royal coronations throughout the years – the interesting facts you may not knowFrom King Charles III's recent coronation to traditions from coronations centuries ago – here's everything you need to know about royal coronations
-
The 32 funniest candid Royal Family balcony momentsWe look back at some of the best candid royal family balcony moments from across the years
-
The 52p ingredient King Charles has on his afternoon snack is such an aromatic addition and we can't wait to try itThere's a very affordable and unique ingredient King Charles reportedly has on his afternoon snack and it sounds so delicious
-
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s wedding day changed at the last minute as a royal ‘mark of respect’King Charles and Queen Camilla's wedding day was postponed just days before out of 'respect' as the groom stepped up to put duty first
-
Kate Middleton and King Charles's 'strong relationship' has been 'cemented' by cancer diagnoses, expert claimsThe Princess of Wales and King might reportedly find it 'comforting' to be able to 'confide' in each other at this challenging time
-
The most romantic moments between King Charles and Queen Camilla - from candid pictures to sweet anecdotes about their relationshipKing Charles and Queen Camilla's love story has not been without its bumps, but there's no denying the pair have had some real fairy tale moments...
-
The Royal Family's bizarre sandwich rule to protect King CharlesThe Royal Family reportedly have a very unusual rule when it comes to sandwiches and it's all to do with a surprising superstition
