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MIDNIGHT MONARCH

The Queen always stays up until midnight on New Year’s Eve as she celebrates with Prince Philip at Sandringham

THE royals have many traditions over the Christmas period, but how does the Queen spend New Year?

Her Majesty, 93, headed to Sandringham for Christmas this year, as is her annual tradition, and she will remain there until February 6, which is the date of the death of her father King George VI in 1952. 

The Queen likes to stay up with Prince Philip each year to ring in the New Year at midnight
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The Queen likes to stay up with Prince Philip each year to ring in the New Year at midnightCredit: PA:Press Association

The Queen, who wakes up at 8.30am each morning, typically stays up until midnight to ring in the New Year, surrounded by various family members. 

Reports have suggested that no one typically leaves the room to go to bed before the monarch, out of courtesy.

Sir William Heseltine, the Queen’s former private secretary, said: “Nobody felt it right to go to bed before the queen did.”

This year she is expected to be accompanied by husband Prince Philip, who spent Christmas with his family after being admitted to hospital for a “pre-existing condition.”

Guests reportedly wait for the monarch to go to bed before they leave the room, out of courtesy
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Guests reportedly wait for the monarch to go to bed before they leave the room, out of courtesyCredit: Getty - Contributor

The 98-year-old Duke of Edinburgh spent five days at the King Edward VII's Hospital in London, before joining the rest of his family in Norfolk.

Traditionally the Queen will invite family members to celebrate New Year with her, including those who were not able to join her for Christmas. 

The Queen attends church on New Year’s Day, just as she does on Christmas Day, and the family also like to go horse riding or pheasant shooting. 

Kate Middleton and Prince William typically spend New Year with her family in Berkshire
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Kate Middleton and Prince William typically spend New Year with her family in BerkshireCredit: Getty - Contributor
This year Kate's family, including brother James, sister Pippa, Pippa's husband James, and her parents, have been spotted in St Barts on holiday
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This year Kate's family, including brother James, sister Pippa, Pippa's husband James, and her parents, have been spotted in St Barts on holidayCredit: Splash News
Pippa, who have birth in October 2018, looked athletic as she ran into the waves on holiday this week
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Pippa, who have birth in October 2018, looked athletic as she ran into the waves on holiday this weekCredit: Splash News

Kate Middleton and Prince William typically take their kids to spend New Year’s Eve with the Middleton family, who live in Berkshire. 

However, Kate’s parents Carol and Michael, along with her sister Pippa and brother James, have been pictured enjoying the sun on a family holiday in the Caribbean this week. 

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry skipped Christmas with the Queen in Sandringham to spend the holidays in Canada, as part of their break from royal duties. 

 Rebel Wilson shared this New Year's Eve photo with Mike and Zara Tindall and fellow guests by Sydney Harbour Bridge
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Rebel Wilson shared this New Year's Eve photo with Mike and Zara Tindall and fellow guests by Sydney Harbour Bridge
Rebel uploaded an Instagram Story of her dancing with former rugby star Mike
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Rebel uploaded an Instagram Story of her dancing with former rugby star Mike

It is not known how the Sussexes and Cambridges will be spending the New Year break, but Zara Tindall and husband Mike have been pictured in Sydney with actress Rebel Wilson. 

Pitch Perfect star Rebel, uploaded a selfie with the couple, and fellow guests, as they posed by the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge at night. 

In one comical clip posted on Rebel’s Instagram Stories, the actress can be seen having a fun dance-off with Mike at the party.

Mike recently revealed the Queen sits the children in a separate room at her annual pre-Christmas lunch.

We shared the most expensive weddings of the decade revealed – and even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s has been outdone.

And Meghan Markle & Prince Harry ring in the New Year by hitting 10M Insta followers – but Kate & Wills are still ahead.

Zara and Mike Tindall dance and party with Rebel Wilson as they celebrate New Year in Sydney
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