While the royal family is known for its longstanding holiday traditions, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has recently admitted to skipping one of the most festive customs: wearing a Christmas sweater. During a visit to the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment earlier this month, where he presented Christmas presents to families and children, Prince William, 42, made a lighthearted revelation that left the audience in stitches.
After 14-year-old Dylan Potter proudly showed off his two Christmas sweaters, the royal laughed and pointed to himself, saying, “Some people don’t even own one.” When asked why he wasn’t dressed in festive knitwear, Prince William jokingly blamed his new equerry, Squadron Leader Mike Reynolds, for not ensuring he had a Christmas sweater, quipping, “You see that guy in the jacket? It’s his fault, and I will be having a word.”
Despite not owning a Christmas sweater, Prince William has fully embraced other aspects of the royal Christmas celebrations. This year, like many others, he and his family are spending the holiday at Sandringham, the royal estate in Norfolk, where they continue the tradition of gathering together for a Christmas service at St. Mary Magdalene Church.
Alongside his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and their children — Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6 — Prince William took part in the annual Christmas Day walk to church. The family also joined King Charles for his traditional Christmas speech at 3 p.m. U.K. time. The walk, which sees the royal family stroll across Sandringham’s grounds to the church, is one of Prince William’s favorite holiday traditions.
This year’s holiday celebrations at Sandringham will be especially notable, as Prince William shared that the royal family would gather with 45 members in one room for the Christmas festivities. “We’re normally spread out, so it will be nice to have everyone together,” he explained. Despite the large family presence, the Prince of Wales spoke warmly of the time spent with his family, underscoring how important these moments of connection are during the holiday season.
For Prince William, Christmas is also a time for some relaxation and reflection. “One of my favorite parts of Christmas is going on a long walk with the dogs,” he shared. The royal family has long been known for their love of dogs, from Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved corgis to the Wales family’s own black cocker spaniel, Orla. The four-legged companions are expected to be part of this year’s holiday stroll through Sandringham.
While Prince William is anticipating a joyful holiday with his family and pets, Queen Camilla will have a bittersweet Christmas this year. Earlier in 2024, the Queen lost her beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Beth. However, her other dog, Bluebell, will accompany her on the traditional Christmas Day walk. The royal family’s shared love for dogs adds a unique and heartwarming touch to their Christmas celebrations, with pets often seen as central figures during the festivities.
For the royal family, Christmas represents more than just tradition; it’s a time to reflect, unwind, and spend quality moments together. From long walks with the dogs to family gatherings at Sandringham, the holidays provide the perfect opportunity for Prince William, Catherine, and their children to enjoy some peaceful time away from their royal duties.
As the family prepares for another festive season, one thing is certain: despite not participating in the Christmas sweater tradition, Prince William remains an active and enthusiastic participant in the warmth and togetherness that define the royal family’s holiday celebrations.
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