REPORT: King Charles Planning ‘Last Christmas’ As Well being Struggles Mount
Nothing sharpens a sense of time like illness; add in old age, and the reflection only deepens.
King Charles was already the oldest monarch in British history to take the throne, and nearly two years into a cancer battle, the weight of the moment is not lost on him as the holidays approach.
JP reported that one source close to the King said, “Charles prioritizes duty, but he’s also a family man who knows his time is precious. He wants a special last Christmas in case it’s his last.”
Despite ongoing health concerns, the King is expected to stick to tradition. Charles plans to join the family’s annual Christmas morning walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church, record his Christmas Day address to air later that day, and then spend the remainder of the holiday with loved ones.
“Nothing would stop Charles from doing that,” a source said of the speech. “He will do everything expected of him and more. His health isn’t the best. They’re taking it day by day.”
King Charles III during the wreath-laying ceremony at St. Nicolai memorial
While the tone may be more reflective than usual, it will also be celebratory. The family is reportedly buoyed by good news after Princess Kate received the all-clear. “They all want to make the most of their time together.”
Festivities will take place at Sandringham House and are expected to include most senior royals. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are set to attend, along with Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children.
Prince Andrew, now styled Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is not expected to be invited following the stripping of his titles and his removal from Royal Lodge. Sarah Ferguson also will not attend.
Charles’ recent meeting with his estranged son, Prince Harry, reignited speculation about whether Harry, Meghan Markle and their children might receive a Christmas invitation. That appears unlikely, according to one source who told Stylecaster of the meeting, “That’s as far as it has gone.” The same source noted that the chances of an invitation were always “slim,” and recent choices by the Sussexes did not help.
Their decision to attend Kris Jenner’s birthday party reportedly raised eyebrows.
“If they are going to go out and look like Hollywood players, it’s at odds with what the palace and royal family members would do,” the source said.
As for the royal Christmas itself, historian Marlene Koenig said tradition rules the day. The family typically gathers for afternoon tea featuring classic cakes, sandwiches and Coronation Chicken, followed by a black-tie dinner and gift exchange.
Despite their wealth, extravagance is not the point.
“The royals prefer jokey or inexpensive gifts,” Koenig said. “There’s a competition to see who can get the funniest one,” another source told the outlet.
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