The British monarchy is notorious for its stickler attitude when it comes to royal protocol—and Queen Elizabeth is no exception. Her Majesty is also a woman who values routine; for example, she only carries cash one day a week and eats the same thing for breakfast every day. When she gets in a festive mood, however, she’s reportedly willing to make one small departure from tradition.
Christmas Day is a busy time in Sandringham House, where the royal family and their staff spend Christmas. But the rules are briefly set aside during Christmas lunch, when the Queen pauses her festivities to give one of her staff members a touching Yuletide gift.
After the meat has been carved, the most senior chef spends a moment with Her Majesty in the dining room—a place exclusively reserved for the royal family, former royal chef Darren McGrady revealed. That’s not the only time the royal family has broken their own protocol, either.
“Right before the Christmas buffet, the senior chef on duty goes into the dining room and carves the rib roast or turkey or ham and once he’s done, Her Majesty presents the chef with a glass of whiskey and they toast,” McGrady told the Mirror. “That’s the only time the chef goes into the dining room and has a glass of whiskey with the royal family. It’s one of the chef’s favorite traditions.”
No surprises there! We recommend snapping a few selfies, too. To join in on this year’s festivities at Sandringham House—in spirit, at least—steal the royal family’s favorite holiday traditions for yourself.
