Queen to have cracker of a Christmas in paper crown
which she slides guest’s name.
“Generally the most senior male guest will sit on the Queen’s right hand side, the most senior female on Prince Philip’s right and each place setting has a name card so nobody can be confused. The chef comes into the dining room to carve and there is Christmas pudding afterwards.
“Then, while the rest of the family settle down to watch the Queen’s speech, Her Majesty discreetly disappears and takes her dogs for a walk.
“The Queen will wear a paper crown. Yes, absolutely!
“She’ll join the fun. It’s Downton Abbey, only for real.’’
Burrell, who was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal in 1997 for services to the family, said the Queen would dress up for Christmas dinner just as she did for state occasions – and as she did, even when dining alone.
“Often I have seen her in her gown with her diamonds shimmering in the candlelight. It’s tradition,’’ he added.
The Queen’s Christmas Message is one of the most watched shows of Christmas Day, with 7.6 million Britons tuning in last year.
The pre-recorded message will be broadcast to all 53 member states of the Commonwealth this Christmas.
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