King Charles and his family are expected to welcome 2025 by embracing cherished traditions. While specific details of the monarch’s plans remain under wraps, it is likely the 76-year-old will follow the customs upheld by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Having spent the festive season at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk, King Charles is anticipated to continue the late Queen’s practice of celebrating the New Year there with family members, including those who couldn’t join the Christmas festivities.
Party Games
As a lover of tradition, King Charles is expected to host a lively evening featuring classic party games, much like those enjoyed by Queen Elizabeth II. According to Charles Anson, the late Queen’s former press secretary, games such as charades have been a royal favorite since World War II, when the family sought indoor entertainment during air raids.
In his book At Home with the Queen, royal author Brian Hoey described a unique game called “lucky dip,” often played on New Year’s Eve. The game involves a tub of sawdust filled with pieces of paper bearing predictions for the coming year—a quirky and lighthearted royal tradition.
Church Service
On New Year’s Day, the royals traditionally attend a service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. The rest of the day typically includes activities like horseback riding and other outdoor pursuits.
Last year, King Charles and Queen Camilla opted for a slight change, attending a New Year’s Eve church service instead. The couple was warmly received by royal well-wishers who gathered to see them en route to the church.
Princess Kate’s Family Celebrations
Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales often ring in the New Year with Kate’s family in Berkshire. Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, reside in the elegant Bucklebury Manor, a Grade II-listed Georgian property boasting seven bedrooms, a library, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and 18 acres of land. With Kate’s siblings, Pippa and James, living nearby, New Year’s Eve is typically a family-centered occasion for the Middletons.
Staying Connected
Even if the royal family members are celebrating separately, they are known to stay connected. Many of them participate in a family WhatsApp group, exchanging warm messages and well-wishes as the clock strikes midnight. This group reportedly includes figures like Mike Tindall and Princess Kate, ensuring the royal bond remains strong into the new year.
