Bescherung at Sandringham

During the festive season, the Windsors pay homage to their German roots by opening gifts on Christmas Eve, following afternoon tea, instead of waiting for Christmas Day.

Prince Harry recalls the tradition in his memoir Spare: “We were at Sandringham in a big room with a long table covered with white cloth and name cards. By custom, we each found our place, stood before our mound of presents, and then -suddenly - everyone began opening at once. A joyous free-for-all, with scores of family members talking, tugging at bows, and tearing into wrapping paper.”