King and Queen write 2,700 Christmas cards!

King Charles and Queen Camilla commence their extensive Christmas card preparations during their summer break at Balmoral, tackling a task that involves sending approximately 2,700 cards. This tradition, revealed by Camilla's friend Gyles Brandreth, sees the couple working on the cards months before the festive season. Brandreth, who also receives an invitation to the royal couple's annual Christmas party, shared details about the festive gatherings.

The tradition of Christmas trees in Britain was notably introduced by German-born Prince Albert, who, along with Queen Victoria, popularized the custom. This historical connection is further highlighted by the German-style Christmas tree unveiled at London St Pancras International. This year's tree, inspired by a traditional German Christmas pyramid, was created in partnership with the German National Tourist Office and Hilton. Brandreth also shared personal anecdotes about his family's Christmas traditions, including collecting baubles and the historical practice of using real candles on Christmas trees.