King Charles of Wales reportedly expressed his disdain for the tradition of shooting his Christmas card photos in the summer. The 76-year-old monarch and Queen Camilla annually send out a bespoke festive greeting to well-wishers. Former royal butler Paul Burrell has shed light on the meticulous planning that goes into the royal household’s holiday celebrations, which can span months.
In an interview with Spin Genie, Paul Burrell revealed the intricate process behind the royal Christmas festivities. He explained that logistics such as relocating to Sandringham with the court, transport of belongings, decorations, and gifts, all require extensive planning. The Christmas card itself is photographed months in advance, much to King Charles’ chagrin. Paul shared that Charles often complained about having to take the Christmas card picture so early, not understanding why it couldn’t wait until closer to Christmas.
The process of designing the card, capturing the photo, and then Charles personally signing hundreds of cards for close acquaintances is a significant undertaking. The remaining cards are signed using a machine called an autopen, streamlining the distribution process. King Charles is grateful for the assistance from Queen Camilla in organising the family celebrations at Sandringham, particularly the logistics of accommodating numerous staff members during the holiday season.
The responsibilities of ensuring a smooth-running Christmas at Sandringham, including overseeing the decorations, accommodations for guests, and the continuation of government work, fall on King Charles’s shoulders. Paul Burrell highlighted the challenging nature of managing such operations, emphasizing that the King’s workload does not pause even during the festive period. Charles has come to recognize the importance of delegating tasks to Queen Camilla, who plays a vital role in ensuring that everything is in order for the holiday celebrations.
The intricate behind-the-scenes look at the royal Christmas celebration sheds light on the meticulous planning and coordination required to make the holidays special for the royal family and their guests. The insight provided by Paul Burrell offers a glimpse into the dedication and effort that go into upholding these long-standing traditions within the monarchy. Despite the challenges and workload involved, King Charles and Queen Camilla remain committed to creating a memorable Christmas experience for all who are part of the royal household.