Instead of bringing the royal family together, the festive season is tearing them apart.

As the festive season rolls around, the world once again turns its attention to Sandringham, the British royal family's traditional Christmas retreat. But while the traditions remain familiar — church walks, turkey feasts, and televised speeches — this year's gathering brings its share of absences, appearances, and whispers of intrigue.

While some rumours are just that, rumours, there have been a number of updates that left royal watchers questioning how the famous monarchs would survive the festive season.

Here's what to expect from the royals this Christmas, as they balance tradition, modern family dynamics, and the ever-watchful gaze of the public.

Prince William, Prince Andrew, and the case of King Charles' Christmas luncheon.

King Charles hosted his annual pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, December 19, but his royal favourites Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, were all noticeably absent.

While some speculated there could be a rift in the family, the answer was far simpler: they were never meant to attend, because they've already made their way up to their holiday home, Anmer Hall, for the season.

"We'll be in Norfolk, at Sandringham," William previously announced, via People Magazine. "We'll be 45 [people] for Christmas. It won't be quiet. It will be noisy." And when asked whether he was prepared for the chaos, he simply replied, "Am I ready for Christmas? No. No way am I ready."

Kate, William and all three children are expected attend Christmas celebrations at Sandringham. More on that in a moment.

Though there was a rational explanation for Kate and William's absence, that didn't stop the luncheon from sparking rumours of royal drama behind the scenes. And fair enough, given this week's headlines surrounding Charles' brother, Andrew.

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, were in attendance, however Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson cancelled their appearance at the Christmas luncheon in the wake of backlash around the Duke of York's suspected connection to an alleged Chinese "spy."

With mere days until the Christmas celebrations, Andrew certainly won't be publicly ceberating with his family this year.

Watch: Signs To Use When Celebrating Christmas. Post continues after video.

Prince Andrew: The shadow behind the scenes

In 2023, Prince Andrew joined the family at Sandringham for their annual Christmas walk at St Mary Magdalene's Church. Walking alongside his ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, the fallen Prince caused quite a stir.

Following another tumultuous year, the royals were hoping this year's festive celebrations could act as a public reset. But that idea has been quickly dismissed, as Andrew finds himself embroiled in scandal… yet again.

In 2024, Andrew's Christmas plans seem to follow the theme of "out of sight, out of mind". After years of controversies, Andrew will skip Sandringham's Christmas Day festivities entirely. Instead, he'll spend the holidays at Royal Lodge in Windsor with his Sarah.

Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will be off celebrating with their respective in-laws, leaving Andrew to keep a low profile.

Andrew will likely remain very behind the scenes as concerns swirl about his alleged connection to suspected Chinese spy Yang Tengbo.

With the monarchy's reputation as tight as our pants after Christmas lunch, King Charles continues to walk the line between family loyalty and public trust. Andrew's quiet Christmas feels like a necessary step to keep controversy at bay.

Harry and Meghan: The Sussex question

Ah, the Sussexes. You can't have a royal Christmas without a little sprinkle of speculation around Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's holiday plans, can you? Once again, the couple's attendance at Sandringham is a hot topic.

It's understood that Prince Harry and Meghan have not received an invitation to join the royal family's celebrations this year, which feels less like an oversight and more like the "new normal" of post-Megxit life. While the British royals gather at Sandringham, Harry might make a brief, solo appearance for a pre-Christmas visit with King Charles. However, Meghan, along with Archie and Lilibet, will be keeping things cosy stateside. California's sunny Christmas offers a different vibe, no doubt shared with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland.

Adding their own touch of holiday cheer, the Sussexes have released their 2024 Christmas card featuring rare photos of their children. Archie's cheeky smile and Lilibet's charm have delighted fans, proving that while Harry and Meghan are distant geographically, they remain firmly in the public conversation.

Image: Omid Scobie.

William, Kate, and the kids: The heart of the modern monarchy

If there's one thing we can count on, it's that the Prince and Princess of Wales will shine as the modern face of the monarchy this Christmas. Despite recent health challenges, Princess Kate remains steadfast, balancing royal responsibilities with her trademark grace. Her resilience will no doubt inspire goodwill as the family continues to hold centre stage this festive season.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are expected to steal the show during the much-anticipated Christmas walk to church. With their cheeky grins, giggles, and perfectly tailored coats, the royal children are sure to bring a light-hearted charm to the day.

In keeping with their own traditions, William and Kate have released their 2024 Christmas card, a striking photograph capturing a candid, happy moment with their children.

King Charles III: quietly steering the ship

For King Charles, this Christmas marks his second as monarch, and while he's upholding the traditions of the past, he's also doing it with his own quiet style.

The royal Christmas walk to St Mary Magdalene Church will proceed as usual, featuring key players in the royal fold:

• King Charles III and Queen Camilla

• Prince William, Princess Kate, and the three Wales children

• Princess Anne

• Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh

• Zara Tindall and family

While faces like Harry and Meghan remain absent, Charles' focus remains on maintaining the warmth and stability that Christmas at Sandringham has come to symbolise.

His annual televised Christmas message will be a highlight, offering reflection on the past year and hope for 2025. Given the world's turbulent year, it's expected that Charles's address will strike a tone of calm and unity.

A feast of tradition: What's on the table?

When it comes to Christmas dinner at Sandringham, tradition reigns supreme. As is custom, the main course will likely feature roast turkey served with all the trimmings, including sage and onion stuffing, roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts. And let's not forget the pièce de résistance — a flaming Christmas pudding, decorated with holly and doused in brandy.

The Christmas walk: a royal highlight

The annual walk to St Mary Magdalene Church remains a highlight of the royal Christmas. For the public and press alike, it's a rare opportunity to see the family in festive spirits, coats buttoned up against the winter chill, smiles on their faces. The presence of the Wales children is always a heart-melting moment, while familiar faces like Princess Anne and Zara Tindall add to the charm.

The absence of Prince Harry, Meghan, and Prince Andrew will be noted, but the monarchy's focus will remain firmly on moving forward. With King Charles quietly leading, William and Kate shining, and the next generation of royals captivating hearts, this year's Christmas feels like a statement: the family endures, traditions prevail, and the future looks steady - at least for now.

For those watching, whether with admiration, curiosity, or scepticism, there's no denying the magic of a royal Christmas. And as the family takes their Christmas walk, plates up turkey, and toasts to another year, the world will be watching — because love them or question them, the royals remain a fascinating part of the festive season.

Feature Image: Getty.