UPDATE: King Charles III is making headlines this holiday season for his generous Christmas gifts to staff, marking a departure from the traditions of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Sources reveal that the 77-year-old monarch is not only celebrating with his family at the Sandringham estate but is also ensuring his staff feel appreciated during this festive time.
Reports indicate that King Charles has opted for a more personal approach to gifting, moving away from the customary Christmas pudding traditionally bestowed by the late Queen. Instead, he is providing a complete dinner service—a collection of matching plates and side plates—over time, rewarding staff with full sets for their years of service. An insider shared, “He used to give a dinner service, matching plates, side plates and so on, but he would give bits of it at a time, so you would get the full collection if you stayed in service long enough.”
While the King’s new gifting strategy diverges from Queen Elizabeth II’s simpler method of handing out Christmas puddings, he still adds that traditional treat as a bonus for his staff, demonstrating his thoughtfulness during the holiday season.
Staff from the Royal Household, including those from the Highgrove estate, celebrate the holidays together at St James’ Palace, fostering a sense of community among royal employees. Former royal gardener Jack Stooks spoke exclusively to Heart Bingo about the King’s holiday gestures. “For the first few years that I worked at Highgrove, we also got a Christmas pudding from the King,” he recalled. Stooks also noted the personal touch of receiving hand-signed Christmas cards from the King and Queen, adding warmth to the festive atmosphere.
This year, the royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, gathered once again at Sandringham to celebrate Christmas together. The King’s commitment to recognizing his staff’s hard work highlights a refreshing approach to royal traditions, ensuring that the spirit of giving remains at the forefront of the holiday season.
As the festivities continue, all eyes are on King Charles and his evolving traditions, which resonate with the royal household’s dedication to kindness and appreciation. Stay tuned for further updates on how these changes are received by both staff and the public.
