Every year, the Royal Family comes together to celebrate Christmas, a tradition filled with grandeur and strict protocols. Mike Tindall, who is married to Princess Anne's daughter Zara Tindall, has shared insights into these royal festivities, particularly the unique arrangements for younger members of the family like Prince Louis .

The royal Christmas lunch
The royal Christmas lunch is a highly anticipated event where only senior royals and adult family members sit at the main table. Younger royals, including Prince Louis, enjoy their festive meal in a separate room, away from the adults. This arrangement highlights the hierarchy that exists during these gatherings.

Since marrying Zara Tindall in 2011, Mike has spent most Christmases with the Royal Family. Back in 2019, Tindall discussed these traditions on his podcast 'The Good, The Bad, and The Rugby.' He humorously recounted a conversation with his co-hosts James Haskell and Alex Payne about the seating arrangements. As per the Express, they asked him if he had been "upgrading" his seat each year or if he was still sitting at the back. Tindall responded by explaining that there were seven tables for about 70 guests at the family lunch. He added, "The kiddies have their own little one in a different room," indicating that children along with Prince Louis have their own space during these formal occasions.

Christmas lunch this year was hosted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace on December 19, 2024. The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, were noticeably absent because they had already gone to their home in Amner Hall, Norfolk, to start their Christmas holidays early. Traditionally, the Royal Family spends Christmas and New Year at Sandringham House in Norfolk. As per PEOPLE, the Prince and Princess of Wales were never expected to attend the lunch at Buckingham Palace this year.


Prince William and Kate Middleton had also posted their sweet holiday card on social media. The card features a snowy animation with a family photo of the couple and their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The message read, "Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year." According to Vanity Fair, the photo was taken at Anmer Hall, their home on the Sandringham Estate.

While adult royals enjoy their time together at the main table during lunch, the younger members, such as Prince Louis, have their own gatherings. This indicates the long-standing traditions of royal celebrations, ensuring that children have their own space during these formal occasions. And this explains why Prince Louis and other children do not sit with other royals at their traditional Christmas lunch during the festive season.