If the frantic rush to the end to the year is making you a little frazzled, we (or more accurately, the royals) have got just what you need. In a serendipitous surprise, Duchess Catherine and Prince William released an adorable picture of their family-of-five dressed in jeans and sitting on a tree trunk outside their country home in Norfolk.
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The three youngsters, Prince George, 5, Princess Charlotte, 3 and Prince Louis, 7 months, are seen cuddling up to their parents and looking utterly charming.
Would it be normal if we printed this out and stuck it on our fridge? We can’t stop looking! While the picture appears to have been taken at least a month ago during the British Autumn, seeing just how much little Prince Louis has grown up is making us rather misty eyed – time flies!
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When it comes to Christmas, the royals don’t do things by halves. Amongst the black-tie dinners, decadent breakfasts and church services galore, it’s a wonder the royals even have time to open presents. And while many of the adult European royals might look at the festive season as a rather exhausting occasion, we can’t forget the little ones who undoubtedly see Christmas as a magical time full of novelty gifts, treats-a-plenty and running amok with their fellow young relatives.
From adorable Christmas photos to the unexpected time presents are actually opened, we round up how the young European royal tots are celebrating the festive season this year.
As it’s little Prince Louis’ very first Christmas, there’s no doubt December 25 will be a special one for Duchess Catherine and Prince William’s family.
The British royals usually have a jam-packed schedule of socialising when it comes to the big day. This includes a dinner at Sandringham, Norfolk on Christmas Eve, while Christmas morning starts with a full English breakfast.
Next comes a Church service before a 50-minute lunch. The family will then gather around the TV to watch the Queen’s pre-recorded Christmas message at 3pm on the dot.
But don’t let the hectic schedule fool you – there’s still plenty of fun for the kids in between the engagements.
Instead of opening their presents on the aforementioned busy Christmas day, the royal tykes will be allowed to rip open the wrapping paper on Christmas Eve.
This tradition is thanks to their German heritage. As per German tradition – and many European cultures – families open their presents on December 24 and it seems this habit has stuck for the British Royals.
Last year, young Prince George also melted our hearts when his sweet letter to Father Christmas was revealed. Dad Prince William personally delivered a very special note to the bearded man in red while he was visiting Finland, handing the letter to Santa saying: “I’ve seen you and I had to give you this letter.”
William continued: “He hasn’t written down many requests, so I think one request is probably okay.”
In the letter, the young royal circled that he had been “nice,” rather than “naughty” and asked for a “police car” under the tree. He even signed his name (just “George,” no title necessary when Santa’s involved) at the bottom. Excuse us as we weep happy tears, and hope for another adorable repeat this year!
For the young royals in Denmark, Christmas doesn’t always mean snow and a roaring fireplace. In fact, last year, the Danish royal family-of-six announced they would be celebrating Christmas Down under with Crown Princess Mary’s Tasmanian family.
And while the family tend to fly to Australia every couple of years, it’s unconfirmed at this stage as to where the family will be spending the big day for 2018.
Regardless of where they spend the day itself, Mary and Crown Prince Frederik’s clan including Christian, 13, Isabella, 11, twins Vincent and Josephine, both seven, will not do things by halves when it comes to decorating their lavish digs in Denmark.
The royal family have shared a photo of their newly-decorated home, Amelienborg, featuring a huge live tree decorated with baubles.
Last year, the Palace also shared some of the Danish royal Christmas traditions, including decorating the tree with ornaments and four lights that symbolise the four Sundays in advent – originally a German tradition.
The adorable royal twins, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, turned four on December 10th with a superhero-themed party fit for royalty.
Held on the grounds of the Palace of Monaco, Gabriella, Jacques and their VIP guests were treated to a visit from some very familiar faces, including Spider-Man and a surprise appearance from the Monaco’s Fire Department’s truck.
There to document every moment was proud mum and former Olympic swimmer, Princess Charlene, 40, who shared a sweet album from the day on her personal Instagram account.
As for Christmas, the Monaco royals pull out all the stops for their annual palace Christmas party.
Last year, the royal couple delighted children at the event in full holiday garb – as pictured above.
The pair took in a brief outdoor performance by a local children’s troupe of dancers and posed for photos on the Cour d’Honneur stairwell, before retreating to the throne room for a stage magician’s performance and a spot of hot chocolate.
Unfortunately, the twins were forced to miss last year’s festivities due to suffering from colds – but fingers crossed they’ll make a jolly appearance this year!
Last year, Princess Victoria and husband Prince Daniel released an adorable family video of them enjoying a day in the snow at Haga Castle. The family looked wrapped up warm as they rode sleds down a snow-covered hill.
But what can we expect to see from the royals this year? More photos and videos it seems!
Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia’s tots, two-year-old Prince Alexander and one-year-old Prince Gabriel, will no doubt join cousins Princess Estelle, aged six and Prince Oscar, aged two – the children of Crown Princess Victoria – for this year’s festivities.
Princess Madeleine’s young ones, Princess Leonore, four, Prince Nicolas, three and baby Princess Adrienne, who is not yet one will also enjoy the day’s festivities.
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Text: www.bauersyndication.com.au
This post was updated on December 18, 2018.