The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are preparing to spend their first Christmas as a married couple before welcoming their first child in 2019.
But, insiders have claimed that royal tradition dictates women must remain in their rooms at the Sandringham estate for breakfast while the men enjoy the meal downstairs.
The Queen’s former chef Darren McGrady told the Mail on Sunday: “On Christmas Day, the ladies generally opt for a light breakfast of sliced fruit, held a grapefruit, toast and coffee delivered to their rooms.”
He said the meal for the royal men tends to consist of egg, bacon, mushrooms, kippers and grilled kidneys to “set them up for the 11am church service at St Mary Magdalene.”
Etiquette expert Grant Harrold, a former royal butler said this tradition is not only unique to our Royal Family.
Mr Harrold told Fabulous Online: “In a lot of aristocratic homes, it does still happen that men will have breakfast downstairs while the women have breakfast in their bedroom.”
As well a this tradition Meghan will not be able to open her Christmas presents on the day, but instead Christmas Eve.
The Royal Family website says: “On Christmas Eve the Royal Family lay out their presents on treacle tables and will exchange gifts at teatime.”
On Christmas Day Meghan will attend two church services with the first starting at 9am and the second 11am.
The first is smaller where the Queen will receive a communion. After that the Royal family attend St Mary Magdalene Church for a public service.
