King Charles set for a 'different' Christmas as he tackles 'road to recovery'

Kenzi Devine
·3-min read
King Charles at Waltham Forest
-Credit:Anadolu via Getty Images


King Charles' former butler anticipates a "celebratory" Christmas for the Royal family this year. The 76-year-old monarch disclosed his cancer diagnosis back in January following treatment for an enlarged prostate, around the same time his daughter-in-law Catherine, Princess of Wales, was undergoing abdominal surgery ahead of preventative chemotherapy.

And Grant Harrold, who served as the king's butler from 2004 to 2011, predicts that after a tension-filled end to 2023, the royals are aiming for a return to "normal" festive celebrations for 2024. Speaking on behalf of Slingo , Grant shared: "This year will be different for the royal family from last year as I’m guessing that both Charles and Catherine knew things weren’t quite right and while they would’ve put on a brave face, there would’ve been some uncertainty there as they didn’t know what the future would hold."

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 06, 2024 in London, England. The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with other members of the Royal Family, attended the annual carol service. Led by The Princess and supported by The Royal Foundation, the event offered a chance to pause and reflect on the profound values of love, compassion, and the vital connections we share—particularly during life's most challenging moments. The service also highlighted remarkable individuals from across the UK who have demonstrated extraordinary kindness, empathy, and support within their communities. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Charles' former butler says the monarch wants to make sure there is 'no pressure' on Catherine following her health woes in 2024 -Credit:Getty Images

"But it seems, God willing, that both are on the road to recovery so it should be more ‘normal’ for them and more of a celebratory one."

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Grant continued: "But the main thing for them is that they will want to be with family and friends, just like everyone else, and have good health for the following year."

With Catherine gradually easing back into public life and sharing three kids with Prince William, Grant believes Charles will aim for minimal stress during the holidays for her.

Explaining that she and Charles 'adore each other', Grant said the pair will be 'looking after each other', with Charles set to make sure there is no 'pressure' for Catherine.

Charles and Catherine will both be spending Christmas at Sandringham, a royal tradition that dates back many years. And it could be a very full house this year, as it's been reported that Princess Beatrice has made last minute changes to celebrate there.

Kate and William at Sandringham last Christmas with their children, from left, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis, with Mia Tindall, the daughter of William's cousin Zara
The royals traditionally spend Christmas at Sandringham (pictured there last year) -Credit:PA Archive

Originally, Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi were looking forward to celebrating the festive season abroad with Edoardo's family. But expectant mother Beatrice has reportedly received medical advice against long-haul flights, which means Beatrice and Edoardo could be heading to Sandringham instead.

The new arrival will join big sister Sienna, age three, and Wolfie, Beatrice's eight year old stepson from Edoardo's previous relationship.

A grand gathering of royals is expected at King Charles and Queen Camilla's Sandringham estate on Christmas Day, with the Prince of Wales recently sharing that 45 family members will be "all in one room".

Absent from the festivities will be Beatrice's father, the Duke of York, who continues to avoid the public eye due to his controversial ties to an alleged Chinese spy. Meanwhile, Princess Eugenie and her family are set to enjoy Christmas with her in-laws this year.

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