What do the Royal Family eat on Christmas Day, do they have turkey and what time do they eat?

Becky Pemberton

Published: 11:07, 11 Nov 2019
Updated: 11:13, 21 Nov 2019

EVERY family has their Christmas dining traditions when December 25 rolls in, and the Royal Family is no different.

But what do they tuck into on the big day? And do they indulge in cheesy Christmas movies and open stockings in pjs?

On Christmas Day, the Royal Family gather to watch the Queen's Speech after tucking into a turkeyCredit: Getty - Pool

What do the Royal Family eat on Christmas Day?

Darren McGrady, the former chef to Queen Elizabeth II, and Princes William and Harry, revealed exactly how the elite family dines at Christmas.

The main lunch includes a "salad with shrimp or lobster, and a roasted turkey, and all of your traditional side dishes like parsnips, carrots, Brussels sprouts and Christmas pudding with brandy butter for dessert.”

As in many households around the UK, the menu for Christmas day doesn’t change and is the same year after year.

Unlike in the US, appetisers and canapés are avoided and only reserved for New Year’s Eve, but the “chocolate-loving” Queen will indulge in a dark chocolate treat over Christmas.

Before they enjoy their day of food, the family head to churchCredit: Getty - Pool

Although many royal residences such as Windsor Castle, pictured, and Buckingham Palace are decorated for Christmas, the family spend their time at Sandringham House in NorfolkCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Another tradition that is upheld by the Queen is that of the senior chef enjoying a toast with the family after serving dinner.

Darren said: “That's the only time the chef goes into the dining room and has a glass of whisky with the Royal Family.

"It's one of the chef's favourite traditions."

For dessert, they eat Christmas pudding with brandy sauceCredit: Getty - Contributor

Where do the royals spend Christmas?

Darren said to that the family head to Sandringham House in Norfolk for the celebrations.

The Queen heads up early on December 19 or 20 and the family join her on Christmas Eve.

While they often go to Sandringham, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge could also opt to join Kate's family at their lavish Berkshire mansion.

After the family heads to church in the morning, they eat a big lunch that includes a salad with shrimp or lobsterCredit: Alamy

What is the Christmas routine at Sandringham?

Presents are placed ready for family members on trestle tables at the lavish abode.

Darren revealed: “The Royals are of German descent so they weave in German traditions to their celebrations.

“After afternoon tea, they open gifts on Christmas Eve, as is the German tradition.

"Christmas morning, the family eats a hardy breakfast before heading off to church.

“After church, that's when they have a big lunch”.

The main roast comes with all the traditional sides like parsnips, carrots and Brussels sproutsCredit: Getty - Contributor

After everyone has finished tucking into their food, the Royal Family gathers to watch the Queen’s Christmas speech.

Following this they have time to relax before meeting together later on for afternoon tea and Christmas fruitcake.

In the evening they will enjoy a lavish buffet lunch, with 16-20 different items spread out for them to choose from and chefs on hand to carve the meat.