Inside Queen's Christmas tradition that Charles and Camilla broke after taking throne

King Charles and Queen Camilla put their own spin on one of Queen Elizabeth's Christmas traditions when they came to the throne.

The festive season is just around the corner, but for the Royal Family, it's already in full swing. The Firm kicked things off with the annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace earlier this month, attended by Charles, Camilla, Prince William, and hundreds of diplomats in an event that marks the beginning of the family's yuletide celebrations.

Another one of the most anticipated events in the royal Christmas calendar is the annual luncheon, which has seen a major shake-up since the Queen's death back in September 2022. Her late Majesty hosted the meal – which typically falls on the Wednesday before December 25 – at Buckingham Palace each year.

READ MORE: Prince Harry 'finally' realises why King Charles can't see him for 'longer than 45 minutes'

READ MORE: Mike Tindall's formal greeting for Princess Anne - even when they're behind closed doors

However, since 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.