Prince William eager to ditch outdated royal Christmas traditions as King Charles resists the change: expert

British royals exchange ‘slightly rude’ Christmas gifts: expert True Royalty TV co-founder Nick Bullen reveals how the British royal family likes to let loose when it comes to presents during the holidays. Prince William wants to modernize Christmas at the palace. The claim was made by royal commentator and broadcaster Neil Sean, following reports that the Prince of Wales wants to eliminate what some consider a dated royal holiday tradition once he becomes king. "Every year, the royals truly let their hair down and show off their sense of humor while having a gentle dig at each other out of the gaze of the public domain," Sean told Fox News Digital. Prince William, Prince of Wales, speaks during the fifth annual "Together At Christmas" carol service at Westminster Abbey in London on Dec. 5, 2025. Broadcaster Neil Sean told Fox News Digital the future king wants to modernize Christmas for the royal family. (Aaron Chown/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) "Every Christmas Eve, the famous trestle table is set up, and depending on your seniority, you go up and get your Christmas present. These are £1 and £5 joke presents, an idea started by Queen Elizabeth II ." "According to this recent report, William wants to get rid of it because he believes it’s forced," said Sean. From left: Prince William, Princess Charlotte and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend a Christmas lunch for members of the royal family, hosted by King Charles III, at Buckingham Palace on Dec. 16, 2025, in London. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images) "But the report is wrong. What William wants to do is include more participation from palace staff, where they could mingle. My sources tell me William enjoys the informal gatherings hosted by Princess Catherine’s family and wants to move in that direction - more family-oriented, less formal, and less about seniority." WATCH: BRITISH ROYALS EXCHANGE ‘SLIGHTLY RUDE’ CHRISTMAS GIFTS: EXPERT In addition to getting palace staff more involved with the festivities, the father of three is reportedly pushing to overhaul yet another longstanding royal ritual. "Another tradition that is up for discussion is the famous Christmas Day walk to church," said Sean. The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three children, during the annual Christmas Day walk on Dec. 25, 2023, in Sandringham. (Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images) "It is well received and loved by all, according to the source. William thinks this also needs a radical rethink. He does not necessarily like being on display on what he views as a private and sacred day. Prince William and his children attend the Christmas morning service at Sandringham Church on Dec. 25, 2024, in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images) "However, while sometimes clashing with King Charles, he understands the public’s wish to see the royal family informally. For the king, however, it’s important to interact with the public who give up part of their Christmas Day to meet the royals." The king, 77, isn’t the only one who is in favor of keeping the...

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