We reveal ten regal festive traditions celebrated by monarchies around the world… including the sweet Danish version of Elf on the Shelf

All families have their own traditions during the Christmas season – and royal families around the world are no different.

The British royal family is known for spending the holidays at Sandringham, where they visit the church and meet well-wishers on a walk.

Meanwhile, in Monaco, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene are handing out gifts to children in the run-up to Christmas, along with Red Cross volunteers.

And in Denmark, the monarchy celebrates through Danish folklore – by hiding elves around their palace in Copenhagen.

Read on below as MailOnline reveals some of the Christmas traditions of royals around the world.

Sandringham

The British royal family usually spends Christmas at Sandringham, rather than at other residences such as Windsor, Balmoral or Buckingham Palace.

Former royal chef Darren McGrady previously told the Daily Mirror that the Norfolk residence is more of a ‘home from home’ compared to the other neighborhoods.

He explained: ‘Unlike Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, which are owned by the state, Sandringham is owned by the Royal Family, so it’s a real home from home and a place to really relax.’

The late Queen Elizabeth II usually stayed from December to February, until after the anniversary of her father’s death on February 6.

In 2023, King Charles stayed over the holidays before moving to Balmoral in January this year.

The king’s favorite food

The Christmas dinner for the British royal family usually consists of the classic roast turkey with all the trimmings, as well as other delicacies such as ox tongue and stuffed boar’s head.

And on Boxing Day, pulled and grilled turkey in a velouté sauce is traditionally served – which, according to food writer and son of Queen Camilla, Tom Parker Bowles, is one of Charles’ favorite dishes.

The corgi’s Christmas menu

McGrady previously wrote in The Mail on Sunday how when he worked for the royal family, even the late Queen’s corgis had a Christmas dinner.

They were well-fed pets and enjoyed eating rabbit, beef or chicken served with cabbage and rice.

There were 12 dogs when McGrady was at work, but now the remaining two live with Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York.

Festive football matches

Being known for his passion for sports, it’s perhaps no surprise that the royals have incorporated this into Christmas as well.

An annual football match was once often played with Prince William and Prince Harry on opposing teams.

This is said to involve friends and families from the Sandringham Estate in nearby Castle Rising.

The brothers played against each other in a 90-minute match in 2005 and the match ended with a handshake after Harry’s side won.

An onlooker said at the time: ‘Both princes got into the spirit of the game and worked up quite a sweat.

‘They certainly held their own and didn’t shy away from tackles. There was a lot of running around and they seemed to be having a good time. Harry looked quite fit and was quick on the wing.

‘William played a good match, but missed an easy goal. It was a well-organized match on a marked field with good goals and nets.’

In 2008, Harry’s team won again and the brothers even performed ‘the strange crunching tackle on each other’, the Mail said at the time.

German Christmas tradition for the British royal family

In a nod to their German heritage, the British royal family traditionally opens their gifts together on Christmas Eve.

They are often small and light-hearted gifts, rather than flamboyant. The presents are labeled and placed on the table.

Recalling one Christmas Eve in his book Spare, Harry described how: ‘According to custom, early in the evening, each of us took our place and stood before our pile of presents.’

He described how his great-aunt Margaret gave him a ballpoint pen with a plastic fish wrapped around it, but considered the gesture “cold-blooded.”

Festive outfits and grass for the reindeer in Monaco

Princess Charlene of Monaco previously revealed some of the sweet Christmas traditions her family uses.

She told the French magazine Point de Vue Peoplethat her twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, leave treats for Santa Claus.

She said, “They always leave a glass of milk and cookies for him, and water and grass for his reindeer.”

Prince Albert also enjoys joining in the celebration and “always wants to wear something festive for the occasion,” the princess reportedly said.

Christmas gift giving in Monaco

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene organize an annual gift event at Prince’s Palace.

Every year, lucky children are invited to the royal residence to receive Christmas gifts.

Their two children had previously attended the event.

The tradition started decades ago by Prince Albert’s mother, Princess Grace Tatler.

Danish Christmas elves

In 2021, the Danish royal family told how Queen Margrethe made little elves that could hide in the palace.

In a similar manner to the popular Elf on the Shelf tradition, the small red figures were placed in hiding places such as chandeliers and in curtains.

The concept seems to be related to Nisser: a mischievous creature from Danish folklore who protects the household and only eats on Christmas Eve.

They launched a digital Advent calendar in 2021 showing where the elves were hidden each day.

Sinterklaas and the Dutch royal family

It is traditional for Dutch families to welcome Sinterklaas, a legendary figure based on Sinterklaas.

It is known that the Dutch royal family is also involved in the festivities.

In 2012, Queen Maxima was pictured with her three daughters, Princesses Catharina-Amalia, Alexia and Ariane, as they greeted Sinterklaas in Scheveningen.

Tradition means that gifts in the Netherlands are usually given on December 5, Sinterklaas Eve.

Spanish royals on Christmas Eve

The Spanish royal family, like the British royal family, also exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, the Daily said Emphatic.

The tradition of exchanging gifts on December 24 comes from Germany, where people celebrate the Bescherung and hand out gifts.