How Prince William, Kate Middleton, and the British Royal Family Spend Christmas

The Brits celebrate Christmas slightly differently than their American counterparts (that’s “Happy Christmas,” to you!) But the royal family has its own fair share of unique traditions.

counterparts - коллеги

fair share - справедливая доля

While Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and baby Archie have opted to spend this year privately with Meghan's mother, Doria, most of the Windsor clan will head to Sandringham in Norfolk (more on the later) for the holidays.

have opted to - выбрали

Generally, a royal Christmas features a mix of formal events and cozy gatherings—with a jam-packed schedule unfolding over the course of two days.

gatherings - собрания

The Location

The royal family spends Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk. The Queen and Prince Philip typically make this annual trip by public train. The pair leaves London a few days before the holiday, and usually stay at the residence through early February.

annual - ежегодный

Christmas Eve

The extended clan typically descends on Sandringham on Christmas Eve day. Orders of business include an afternoon tea. The family will also exchange gifts on the 24th—as opposed to Christmas morning.

extended - семья в полном составе

descends on - спускаться

Christmas Morning

The royal family attends two church services on Christmas morning. The first is a private family service at Church of St. Mary Magdalene. The second is a more formal public service, which begins 11:00 a.m. Everyone, other than the Queen, walks to church together, as crowds gather to watch. It's rumored that, this year, Prince George and Princess Charlotte will make their first "Christmas Walk" from Sandringham to St. Mary Magdalene.

attends - посещает

church services - служба в церкви

It's rumored that - ходят слухи