December will mark the Duchess of Sussex’s second Christmas with the Royal Family, and as a newly minted member of the family there are a few rules she must abide by.
1. Meghan must watch Harry’s soccer match
The 37-year-old duchess will be standing proud on the sidelines as she watches husband Prince Harry and brother-in-law Prince William play a Christmas Eve football match alongside some of the 200 workers from the Queen’s country estate.
The 11-a-side game is played at Castle Rising, near Sandringham, and the princes normally play on opposing teams – with Kate’s brother James Middleton previously joining too.
2. The gift opening
Now that she’s a member of the Royal Family, Meghan must open her presents on Christmas Eve.
The family are well-known for their gag gifts, with the Queen’s nephew Viscount Linley previously describing the session as “a total uproar”.
In previous years, Princess Anne has gifted brother Charles a leather toilet seat, Kate has bought Harry a “grow-your-own girlfriend” kit and the Queen has receiced a shower cap that reads “Ain’t Life a Bitch!” from grandson Harry.
3. Annual Christmas Mass
Meghan will attend not one but two church services on Christmas Day.
The first service, at 9am, is a private one for the family – so the Queen can take communion.
They then return home for a change of clothes before the public service at St Mary Magdalene Church at 11am.
