Kate Middleton and Prince William Are Spending Christmas Morning Apart

The royals have their own set of Christmastime traditions — that annual weigh-in included — but experts reminded even the most hardcore royal fans of a specific fact that is often overlooked: Kate Middleton and Prince William are set to spend Christmas morning apart. That's because of an old tradition that assumes ladies take a bit longer to get ready, so they have breakfast delivered to their rooms while the men of the royal fam get together for a carb-filled, meat-heavy morning meal, grilled kidneys included.

“On Christmas Day, the ladies generally opt for a light breakfast of sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast, and coffee delivered to their rooms — the Queen’s tray is delivered at exactly 9:00 a.m.,” royal chef Darren McGrady explained to the Daily Mail back in 2017. “The male royals, meanwhile, come downstairs to the dining room for a hearty breakfast at 8:30 a.m., with eggs, bacon and mushrooms, kippers, and grilled kidneys, to set them up for the 11:00 a.m. church service at St Mary Magdalene. When they return, it’s straight into pre-lunch drinks.”

Another royal quirk is that the family opens presents on Christmas Eve. As everyone comes together at Sandringham estate, the royals have an evening of gift-giving before Christmas Day. It all dates back to a German tradition and follows what Queen Victoria and Prince Albert preferred. Officially, it's called "Heiligabend Bescherung", which translates to "Christmas Eve exchanging presents" (makes sense!). It all goes down after an afternoon tea. 

According to The Standard, the royal family lays out gifts on a trestle table in the dining room. Prince Philip used to preside over the festivities, but the individual tasked with the duty since his passing hasn't been revealed yet. "Cheap and joke gifts are encouraged," according to the publication, and former presents include a singing hamster that Meghan gave to the late Queen Elizabeth II and, famously, a "grow your own girlfriend kit" that Kate gave to Prince Harry before he and Meghan got married.

After the presents, everyone changes into tuxedos and gowns for a black tie dinner.

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