Just like his father, King Charles III, who long before he sat on the throne had already plotted changes for the day he would be crowned king, his son Prince William, the Prince of Wales is reportedly planning dramatic changes for when he eventually inherits the throne.
According to a palace insider ahead of Christmas, the heir apparent intends to abolish the royal family’s long‑standing Christmas gathering at Sandringham Estate after he is crowned. In addition, he plans to end the custom of handing out trivial £5 Christmas gifts — a tradition long ridiculed within the palace.
“While William is focused on far bigger reforms than the Christmas dinner, it is well known he never felt connected to the cheap Christmas‑gift tradition, nor to the Sandringham gathering. It’s likely these two customs will be the first to go once he becomes king,” the source said.
The insider added that the formal Christmas‑day gathering at Sandringham has always been rigid and formal, in contrast to the more relaxed, warm family celebrations William and his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales prefer with her side of the family.
Regarding the “silly gifts,” tradition holds that the royals exchange inexpensive gag gifts on Christmas Eve. Under that tradition, younger or more junior family members often receive gifts last — something that reportedly frustrates William, especially when it means members such as Zara Tindall — daughter of Princess Anne — end up at the bottom of the list. The insider claims William “adores” Zara and dislikes the fact that she is last to receive, and previously joked he won’t continue the tradition, despite understanding that his father does it out of nostalgia and in memory of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
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Fans have praised Princess Kate's patience with son Prince Louis
(Photo: Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty Images)
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William and Kate continue to present a picture of a united, loving family
(Photo: Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty Images)
Of course, Christmas tweaks are not the only reforms William reportedly envisions. He has spoken before about wanting a modern, more relaxed, and “much more normal” family‑style monarchy than the one currently in place.
Still, until his coronation happens (which likely won’t be soon), William and Kate continue to present a picture of a united, loving family — recently attending the royal Christmas concert with their three children, Prince George of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince Louis of Cambridge — with little Louis once again stealing the show.
One social‑media royal fan wrote: “Louis’s smile is just like his mom’s,” while another compared his mischief to that of his grandfather, Charles: “He looks clever, cheeky and playful like him.” A third admirer added: “My heart melts every time I see those pictures of William, Kate and the kids,” while others praised Kate’s patience with Louis.