The first Christmas at Sandringham has to be one of the most stressful times for any new royal, and the Princess of Wales once shared a relatable concern she had for her first holiday season as a family member.
“I can remember being at Sandringham, for the first time, at Christmas. And I was worried what to give the Queen as her Christmas present. I was thinking, ‘Gosh, what should I give her?” –Catherine said in reference to the 2016 ITV documentary Our Queen at Ninety.
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“I thought, ‘I’ll make her something.’ Which could have gone horribly wrong. But I decided to make my granny’s recipe of chutney.” – she continued.
“I was slightly worried about it, but I noticed the next day that it was on the table. I think such a simple gesture went such a long way for me and I’ve noticed since she’s done that on lots of occasions and I think it just shows her thoughtfulness, really, and her care in looking after everybody.”
The royals are also known for exchanging amusing gifts. Before Prince Harry started dating Meghan Markle, Catherine is said to have given him a “Grow Your Own Girlfriend” kit.
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While William allegedly once gave the Queen a pair of slippers with her face on them, Harry is said to have given his grandmother a shower cap with the words “Ain’t life a [expletive]” written on it.
Catherine made her public appearance on the walk to the Christmas Day church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham that December, after getting married to Prince William in April 2011.
Photo: Custom
On her way to the service, the then-Duchess of Cambridge greeted the crowds while sporting a berry coat and hat.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte, the eldest children of the Wales family, attended church with their parents on Christmas Day of 2019.
