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Queen Elizabeth's Festive Traditions: A Royal Christmas Like No Other

Richard April 15, 2025

What Really Goes On During the Queen's Christmas?

While we can only speculate whether Queen Elizabeth spends her holidays quietly judging those around her, former royal butler Paul Burrell has shared some delightful insights into the Queen's festive traditions. Now 60 years old, Paul recently opened up to Cheshire Life magazine about how the Queen spends her Christmas season. It turns out, Her Majesty knows how to let loose and enjoy the festivities just like the rest of us. Who knew?

According to Paul, the Queen isn't shy about embracing the fun side of Christmas. She reportedly joins in the merriment by wearing a paper crown during her Christmas dinner. Yes, you read that right—a paper crown! So, the next time you feel self-conscious about donning a Burger King crown while munching on fries, remember that even the Queen gets in on the act. And if you think that’s surprising, wait until you hear more about her holiday habits.

Queen Elizabeth's Christmas Traditions: Unveiling the Details

Paul Burrell revealed that the Queen doesn't watch her own annual Christmas speech on television. Instead, she prefers to take a refreshing walk with her beloved corgis. Now that’s what I call staying grounded. Not only does she enjoy outdoor time, but she also indulges in her favorite cocktail—gin and Dubonnet. “The Queen loves a dry Martini,” Paul says, “but her preferred tipple is gin and Dubonnet.” Clearly, the Queen knows how to unwind and enjoy the festive season in her own regal way.

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Paul’s revelations don’t stop there. He also shared that the Queen loves to get hands-on with decorating the Christmas tree. “The bottom half of the Christmas tree is left bare so that the Queen can decorate it with her grandchildren,” he explains. This heartwarming tradition showcases the Queen’s dedication to family and her love for creating special memories during the holidays.

The Royal Dinner Experience: A Feast Fit for a Queen

Now, let’s talk about the royal Christmas dinner. According to Paul, menus are printed for each meal and presented in French on the table. The Queen herself decides the seating arrangement using a leather board with a window for each place setting, into which she slides a card with the guest’s name. Talk about attention to detail! “Generally, the most senior male guest will sit on the Queen’s right-hand side, the most senior female on Prince Philip’s right, and each place setting has a name card so nobody can be confused,” Paul adds.

When it comes to the meal itself, the chef dons his whites and enters the dining room to carve the main course, adding a touch of elegance to the proceedings. After the feast, there’s Christmas pudding for dessert. But the fun doesn’t end there. While the rest of the family settles down to watch the Queen’s speech, Her Majesty discretely steps away to take her dogs for a walk. “The Queen will wear a paper crown,” Paul insists. “Yes, absolutely! She’ll join the fun…It’s Downton Abbey, only for real.”

Compared to the typical holiday dinner many of us experience—overeating, family arguments, and side conversations during a smoke break—the Queen’s Christmas dinner seems like a masterclass in sophistication and joy. It’s no wonder this tradition gets everyone in the holiday spirit.

Who Is Paul Burrell, and What’s His Connection to the Royal Family?

Paul Burrell’s insights into the Queen’s Christmas traditions come from his extensive experience working for the royal family. Before becoming Princess Diana’s butler, Paul served as a footman to the Queen. His dedication to the royal family earned him the Royal Victorian Medal in 1997 for his exceptional service. Clearly, Paul knows a thing or two about royal traditions and has a unique perspective on how the Queen celebrates the holidays.

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