Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are always majestic, but there’s something uniquely magical about the royal family’s decorations during Christmas season.
For the royal family, Christmas is a time to come together and celebrate tradition, especially as they honour the memory of the late Queen following her passing in 2022.
This year, King Charles and Queen Camilla have once again welcomed the festive season with breathtaking displays at Windsor Castle.
From towering fir trees to intricate garlands and even decorations for Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, these photos showcase the magical transformation of the royal residences.
The royal family’s Christmas decorations
Windsor Castle
Visitors to Windsor Castle can view the elaborate royal decorations before the Christmas season is over.
The centrepiece of the decor is the 20-foot Nordmann Fir Christmas tree in St. George’s Hall. The tree is adorned with red and gold baubles, twinkling fairy lights, and topped with a dazzling Garter Star.
Sourced sustainably from Windsor Great Park – the tree will be replanted after the holiday season.
Queen Mary’s Doll House
This 1:12-scale replica of a royal Edwardian residence has been adorned with handmade Christmas decorations.
The intricate miniature decorations include glass beads repurposed from vintage necklaces and tiny candles made from real candle wax.
Crimson Drawing Room
Meanwhile, the Crimson Drawing Room boasts its own 15-foot Nordmann Fir tree.
The tree’s decorations have been carefully matched to the room’s red and gold colour scheme.
Inside the Waterloo Chamber, lavish table displays also add a finishing touch.
Guests can marvel at the decorations until January 6, 2025.
Style follows the royal Christmas decorations in 2020
Meanwhile, in 2020, the late Queen Elizabeth hosted a festive dinner party in the State Dining Room.
The table was decorated with a luxurious gold colour scheme, complete with gilded candelabras, candlesticks, and intricate wreaths designed with gold weaves and baubles.
The tableware also followed the theme, featuring gold plates and matching gold drinking goblets.
Beyond the stunning decorations, the Queen’s Christmas spirit also extended to her personal life.
Each year, she was believed to have purchased more than 600 gifts for her family members and royal staff.
Buckingham Palace Christmas decorations are the royal highlight
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Buckingham Palace #NationalChristmasTreeDay pic.twitter.com/4e20XKsnoc
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 8, 2016
Royal fans are typically treated to a glimpse of Buckingham Palace’s Christmas decorations via the royal family’s official social media.
The Marble Hall becomes the centrepiece during the holiday season – with three majestic Christmas trees.
A very Merry Christmas to all our followers! pic.twitter.com/LXndHHAIBk
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 25, 2016
These trees are decorated with ornaments perfectly fitting for a royal celebration – crowns, crests, and even miniature carriages.
A garland adorned with velvet bows and vibrant baubles also lines the grand staircase.
To finish the look, sparkling white fairy lights illuminate the hall.
Kensington Palace
Over at Kensington Palace – where Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their children live – the decorations are also elaborate.
Each year, a stunning 30-foot tree is installed outside their home, covered in twinkling lights.
2017
When it comes to celebrating Christmas, the royal family blends luxury with surprising simplicity for their decorations and plans.
While Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle may be decked out with seasonal decor, the royal family spends Christmas at Sandringham House – their 2,000-acre private estate in Norfolk – where the festivities are more understated.
“The Queen is not lavish, so the decor is minimal,” a former royal employee shared.
The centrepiece of the estate’s decorations is a large Christmas tree and a silver artificial tree in the dining room.
For their Christmas dinner, the royals opt for a buffet-style meal. While they have staff to assist, each family member selects their own dishes from hot trays before sitting down to enjoy the meal.
Read more: Queen Camilla set to ‘spend time apart’ from King Charles on Christmas
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