All the oddities of Christmas at home Windsor

In a world that changes at the speed of light, perhaps the only certainty from the coronation of William the Conqueror on Christmas Day 1066 to the present day is the English monarchy and its rigid and antiquated traditions. Even on Christmas Day the Windsor family has a long and detailed ladder to respect, barricaded by the English cold at Sandringham House, the Queen's country estate in Norfolk. Yet, between gifts to the staff of Buckingham Palace and the Queen's Corgis, perhaps the atmosphere is not too different from that which is breathed in the midst of millions of other families gathered in front of the tree, except for some striking differences, between absurd anecdotes and millennial traditions.

Weigh oneself

At Christmas each member of the royal family must weigh himself before and after the traditional dinner. Despite the fact that Princess Diana - in the film Spencer to be released in January masterfully played by Kristen Stewart, observed with terror the grotesque tradition of the Windsor house due to her eating disorders, weighing yourself in front of everyone is an exercise in celebrating conviviality, as the rate of satisfaction of the meal is determined by the pounds of weight taken. Among the many questions, certainty is the affection that unites the queen to traditions, especially Christmas ones. Through some interviews, for example, it has been leaked that her Majesty does not want expensive gifts, but original and fun. Of course, try to imagine Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle taking off their heels - assuming Meghan Markle can ever set foot on it again - before entering the Palace to mount on the scales...

Christmas Outfits

On the occasion of the dinner the dress code is black tie, which means tuxedo for men, and long dresses up to the floor for women. Since it's likely to be after 6 p.m., women are also allowed to wear diamonds, although they're unlikely to do the tiaras as it's an intimate family reunion. The colors are those of the Christmas tradition, usually ton sur ton, burgundy, emerald green and deep blue, the queen will obviously use bright tones to stand out in the crowd even at a distance of meters, with yellow or pink suits, and the traditional, as singular, coordinated caps. Royal biographer Angela Levin appeared on Good Morning Britain to talk about Meghan Markle's upcoming interview on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, she mentioned how at Christmas, the royal family changes outfits five times a day at Sandringham and that the royals can't start eating before the Queen or even go to bed before her.

Christmas cards

This year for the first time Queen Elisabeth II will send Christmas cards signing only in her own name, after the departure of the prince consort. Every year the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh used to send about 750 Christmas cards, using lettering paper signed "Elizabeth R" and "Philip" complete with official stamps. Recipients include family, friends and members of the Royal House, as well as the British and Commonwealth Prime Minister, the Governor-General and the High Commissions. The Duke of Edinburgh used to send also 200 Christmas cards each year to various regiments and organisations close to him. 

Trees and presents

Every year, three trees are placed in the Marble room and a garland is fixed along the grand staircase. To introduce the custom was Queen Charlotte, consort of George III. The subsequent enthusiasm of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert for the custom helped spread popularity throughout the country, particularly when a Christmas tree for German soldiers in a temporary hospital in 1871. On Christmas Eve, it is traditional to arrange gifts on easel tables and to exchange them at tea time. As well as donating money to different charities in Windsor every Christmas, the Queen also gives each year's Christmas trees to Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, St Giles' Cathedral and Edinburgh's Canongate Kirk, as well as Churches and schools in the Sandringham. Continuing the tradition of her father, King George VI, and his grandfather, George V, the Queen also gives Christmas sweets to her staff. About 1500 Christmas puddings paid by the Queen are distributed to the staff of all the Palaces, to the staff of the Post Office of the Court and to the Palace Police. Each pudding is accompanied by a greeting card from the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. 

Christmas broadcast

The first Christmas broadcast was made by George V in 1932 via radio and since then has evolved into an important part of the Christmas Day celebrations for many in Britain and around the world, evolving over the years and adapting to new means of communication, first TV and then social. Christmas broadcasting is an intrinsic part of the Christmas Day festivities for many people across the Commonwealth. Each broadcast carefully reflects current issues and concerns and shares the Queen's reflections on what Christmas means to her and many of her listeners. Over the years, the Christmas broadcast has acted as a chronicle of global, national and personal events that have affected the Queen and her audience, surely we must expect a few words about the departure of Duke of Edinburgh.