11 sweet Christmas traditions the British royal kids follow each year

Christmas traditions at the British royal family are not that different from those we follow, except a few cute additions. Read on to know.

11 sweet Christmas traditions the British royal kids follow each year

Christmas is here and that means wrapping presents, baking cakes and singing merry ‘ol songs.

But have you ever wondered how the British royal family celebrates Christmas?

Does the Queen say a special prayer under the tree? Does the Duchess of Cambridge bake cookies for Princess Charlotte and Prince George? What do they do during the festive season?

While most of the British royal family traditions are known publicly, there are some hidden gems that not many are aware of. Keep reading to discover some of the most interesting Christmas traditions of the British royal family.

Making a humble request to Father Christmas

Just like regular kids, even the royal children know that impressing Father Christmas can get them onto the 'Nice' list.

Just a few years back, Price George's letter to Santa revealed that he wanted a 'Police car' as his present that year.

But only a Prince can get his letter hand delivered to Father Christmas, right!

Race to the finale

The British royals are known for their penchant for horse races, in particular the Queen herself. So it's no surprise that the rest of the kids follow suit her lead.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, spend a day before Christmas at the Christmas Meeting Ascot Racecourse. They are always accompanied by their kids – James, Viscount Severn and Lady Louise Windsor – as well as Zara Tindall's daughter, Mia.

Incidentally, all these royal kids love to watch the Christmas weekend race and also participate in the festivities on ground.

The Queen's annual Christmas address

Since taking over as the monarch, Queen Elizabeth II hasn't missed a single Christmas address.

It is tradition in the royal family to gather around the television and watch the address, and then go out to play or solve puzzles together at home.

Annual Christmas Day mass

This is an absolute must for the entire family to attend, no matter where they may be.

For the Cambridges, this mass is either attended with the Queen's side of the family or with the Middleton's (like last year in Berkshire). Either way, there is definitely no giving it a miss.

As for an incentive for the kids, candies are handed out at the church after the mass!

Morning Christmas mass at Norfolk

Although the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are not always seen attending this particular morning mass, the rest of the royal family comes out in full attendance for Christmas mass at Norfolk.

The family first has a private prayer meet, where the Queen has communion. Then she is driven to St Mary Magdalene church in Norfolk, while the rest of the family follow behind Prince Charles.

Exchange of gifts

Just like other families, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the Queen receive their presents on Christmas Eve. For the royal family, this happens at the Sandringham estate.

The older "kids" such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry however, receive prank gifts! (What does a royal really need after all?)

The younger kids receive "serious" gifts though. Hopefully, Prince George might get that Police car he has been asking Santa for!

Visiting Santa, just to be sure

The royal kids are also given the opportunity to visit Santa. In 2014, Prince George was taken to Santa's Magical Journey in Thursford, Norfolk. And there, he met Santa for the first time.

This year it may be Princess Charlotte's turn, you never know.

Either way, this will soon become a coveted royal tradition, and who knows? Public pictures may even be released.

Prince's soccer matches

As a royal Christmas tradition, each year Prince William and Prince Harry have a soccer match with the Sandringham staff, as well as family and friends.

While Prince George has never really been spotted at the match, this year he might just be allowed to watch the fun unfold and perhaps learn a few tricks from his dad.

Royal portraits on Christmas

Each year, the royal family gives the regular folk a peek into what their kids look like with traditional Christmas portraits.

Since all royal kids are protected from photographers, these pictures are a sweet reminder of just how much they've all grown up!

Let's see what images the royal family will release this year.

Traditional royal holiday fun

You may spot Lady Louise in a paper crown around Christmas. No, she is not practicing to be Queen, it's just a fun holiday tradition of the royal family.

The tradition started in early 1900 when a paper crown filled with candies was distributed among the kids, and they would end up wearing it once done with the candies.

The tradition clearly continues.

Yes, there are Santa stockings for everybody too!

As with regular families, the royal family also follows the tradition of hanging stockings and filling them up with presents.

Both Prince George and Princess Charlotte get their own personalised stockings, as do most of the other kids within the royal family. The only difference between your stocking and their stocking is that they get a crown engraved along with their names.

After all there should be some perks to being a royal!