Why Prince George and Princess Charlotte don't open presents on Christmas day

published 12 November 2018

Prince George and Princess Charlotte's Christmas might be very traditional for the most part, but there's one thing they don't do when they spend the festive season with the royal family.

The little royals will no doubt be very excited about Christmas and opening their presents (yes, they also write a letter to Santa).

But even though Princess Charlotte and her brother usually spend a very traditional holiday season with their royal family and attend the morning service on Christmas Day at St Mary Magdalene, there's one big difference between them and most children in the UK.

Rather than waiting until Christmas day morning - and barely sleeping with excitement - it turns out Prince George and Princess Charlotte open their presents on Christmas Eve.

George and Charlotte don't have to wait until Christmas morning to open their presents

The tradition was revealed by former royal chef Darren McGrady, who told the Express: 'The royals are of German descent so they weave in German traditions to their celebrations. After afternoon tea, they open gifts on Christmas Eve, as is the German tradition.'

The unusual custom is confirmed on the royal family's official website, where they respond to the question 'Do The Royal Family give each other presents?'

'On Christmas Eve, The Royal Family lay out their presents on trestle tables and will exchange their gifts at teatime,' the site explains.

So does this mean Prince George and Princess Charlotte will never know what it's like to have to wait until morning and wake up at 5am to open your presents?

William and Kate have chosen to spend Christmas with the Middletons in the past

Not necessarily, as William and Kate's little family have chosen to spend Christmas with the Middletons in the past, like they did in 2016.

When Charlotte and George are spending the holidays at their grandparents' home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, it's likely they're made to wait until Christmas morning to open their presents.

And this Christmas might be even more exciting for the prince and princess, as it's their first Christmas with their little brother, Prince Louis.

They will also be joined by their pregnant auntie Meghan for the second time and her mother, Doria.

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