CHRISTMAS EVE WITH THE ROYALS
Spending the festive season with the MountbattenWindsors at Sandringham is not for the faint of heart – especially for those who can’t hold their drink or need an early bedtime!
According to the documentary Sandringham: The Queen At Christmas, her husband Prince Philip is in charge of hosting a drinks reception for invited family members from 7.30pm on Christmas Eve – and is quite heavy-handed on the spirits!
Royal expert Ingrid Seward reveals the duke makes his drinks “very strong”, with his wife being partial to martinis.
Given that protocol states no one goes to bed before notoriously late stayer the Queen, 93, guests have to be careful to pace themselves.
The family also famously gives joke gifts to each other on Christmas Eve. Previous presents have included the Duchess of Cambridge giving her then-single brother-inlaw Prince Harry a “grow your own girlfriend” kit, while Harry has given his balding big brother Prince William a comb.
According to insiders, the royals are “viciously competitive” when it comes to rounds of board games and charades.