As the festive season approaches, the Royal Family’s Christmas plans are shaping up to be anything but traditional this year.

The Sandringham estate, which usually serves as the heart of the royal holiday celebrations, will reportedly see fewer faces around the dinner table this year, with some notable absentees and a few new faces making their debut.

The monarchy, which has long been associated with grandeur and the pomp of holiday traditions, is facing a quieter, more subdued Christmas than usual.

The health concerns surrounding King Charles, coupled with the decision by his wife, Queen Camilla, to take some time off due to a chest infection, have cast a shadow over the annual festivities.

Camilla, who has already pulled out of several engagements, is reportedly focusing on her recovery, which means her presence at Sandringham will be limited.

But the health crisis facing the King isn’t the only factor influencing this year’s royal gatherings. Sources say that the usual Christmas gatherings, once meticulously planned well in advance, are in limbo for now, with family members waiting to see how King Charles’s health progresses before making any final plans. “Usually, by this time of year, everyone knows exactly where they are expected to be. But this year, it’s more of a ‘wait and see’ situation,” a royal insider explained.

In his memoir *Spare*, Harry described an image of the royal Christmas gatherings, where a long table covered in a white tablecloth was set for each guest, with name cards marking their places. However, sources indicate that Harry and Meghan’s presence at such a table is highly unlikely due to the ongoing tensions within the family. A royal insider stated, “There’s no chance of the Sussexes being invited. The hostility toward them is still too great.”