Charles and Camilla broke Queen Elizabeth's Christmas tradition after her death

The Royal Family have already begun celebrating Christmas with a packed social calendar – and one event has been marked in a very different way since the death of Queen Elizabeth.

King Charles and Queen Camilla, along with Prince William, ushered in the festive season with the annual Diplomatic Reception earlier this month. Hundreds of diplomats were invited to drink, dine and dance at Buckingham Palace in what will have been the first of many exuberant events set to take place in the lead-up to December 25.

Another highly anticipated event is the royal Christmas luncheon, traditionally held on the Wednesday before Christmas each year. Back when Queen Elizabeth was on the throne, this would also be held at Buckingham Palace.

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However, since she passed away in 2022, Charles and Camilla have invited relatives to spend the afternoon at Windsor Castle instead.

The meal is held before the most senior royals make their way to their residence in Sandringham to celebrate Christmas Day in Norfolk. Mike Tindall previously opened up about the event, which also welcomes less senior members of the Firm.

He told JOE UK's House of Rugby podcast in 2019: "I didn’t drink actually, this is the other one, the family lunch there must be about 70 of us there – there are seven tables and the kiddies have their own little one in a different room. I was on Prince Charles' table. It was lovely, really good."

Last year marked the second time the monarch held the luncheon at Windsor. Attendees included The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, along with their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, 21; Prince Edward and Sophie; and Princess Anne.

A video posted to TikTok taken from inside the lavish palace showed off its stunning festive decorations, including several Christmas trees adorned with lights and baubles and a banquet table decorated with mini-trees.

It is unclear where Charles and Camilla will host their luncheon this year before heading to Sandringham privately, but if the last two years are anything to go by, it's likely they will be heading out of London to dine with relatives.