Nothing reminds a person they’re mortal quite like getting older and getting sick, and King Charles is living that reality in front of the entire world. The man was already the oldest monarch ever to take the British throne. Add nearly two years of cancer treatments, and it makes sense that he’s looking at the calendar a little differently than he used to. According to a source who spoke with Us Weekly, “Charles prioritizes duty, but he’s also a family man who knows his time is precious. He wants a special last Christmas in case it’s his last.” That’s not exactly subtle.
Still, anyone expecting the King to hide under a blanket until January doesn’t understand how the Windsor machine works. Despite health concerns, Charles is planning to stick to the usual routine. The Christmas morning walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church, the Christmas speech he records ahead of time, the family gathering at Sandringham, all of it stays. One source said, “Nothing would stop Charles from doing that. He will do everything expected of him and more. His health isn’t the best. They’re taking it day by day.” That might be the understatement of the season.
There is at least some good news floating around Buckingham Palace. Princess Kate has reportedly been given the all clear on her own health scare, which has lifted the family’s spirits. Everyone wants to make the most of the holiday while they actually can. Most of the senior royals are expected to show up, including Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Prince William, Kate, and their kids. Prince Andrew, now going by Andrew Mountbatten Windsor after being stripped of basically everything but his shoes, will not be attending. Sarah Ferguson is also staying far away.
There was some speculation that Charles’ recent meeting with Harry might thaw the ice enough for an invitation to slip through the mail slot. According to Stylecaster, that meeting was the beginning and end of the progress. The Sussexes didn’t help themselves by popping up at Kris Jenner’s birthday party. Nothing screams serious royal dignity like champagne selfies with Hollywood handlers.
Historian Marlene Koenig explained that Christmas at Sandringham leans on tradition. Afternoon tea, small sandwiches, Coronation Chicken, then a black tie dinner and a goofy gift exchange. For all the wealth in that house, the family competes over who can buy the funniest cheap present.
So while Charles prepares for what he clearly views as an important Christmas, the palace will do what it always does. Keep calm, keep traditions alive, and pretend the drama is happening somewhere else.
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