NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Food
  • Win
  • Recipes
  • Video
NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Food
  • Win
  • Recipes
  • Video
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Royals

Fergie on what Christmas is REALLY like with the royals

The duchess issues a warning for Meghan Markle's mother Doria. - by Grace Back
  • 12 Dec 2018

Sarah Ferguson has revealed what it's really like spending Christmas with the Royal Family at Sandringham, just days before Meghan Markle's mother Doria Ragland is due to spend the festive season with the Queen.

The Duchess of York opened up on her own experiences, claiming she had to change outfits several times across the days to adhere to the Queen's strict style rules. 

Fergie claimed she had to change seven times between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to be dressed appropriately for each different occasion.

sarah ferguson

Sarah Ferguson and Princess Diana attending the Christmas Service at Sandringham, 1988

Getty

The 59-year-old former royal said she had to change seven times between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to be dressed appropriately.

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty told Grazia, “After the luggage is unloaded, there will be a present-giving ceremony after tea. 

“There are mainly useful things, such as homemade jams, china or curios bought from county fairs. Then it will be lethal martinis and a black-tie dinner.

“There’s a really careful old-fashioned placement. It’s always boy-girl, boy-girl.”

sarah ferguson
Getty

Fergie's words will surely resonate with Meghan's mother, who is set to spend Christmas at Sandringham for the first time. 

Jean Broke-Smith, royal expert, claims the rules and etiquette could turn the festive days into a challenge for Ms Ragland. 

“There will be advisors on hand to help Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland, but it is going to be difficult," she told New Idea. 

“For one thing she will need to bring a trunk full of clothes from California.”

They said: “It’s a mark of the Queen’s respect for Meghan and an acknowledgement that she doesn’t have any other relations in this country – unlike Kate who has the support of a very close family.” 

  • Royals
  • News
  • Sarah Ferguson
Grace Back
Grace is the Digital Content Editor at New Idea. Grace is a lifestyle junkie who has previously interned at Dolly, Stellar and marie claire, as well having written in the fashion and beauty sections at Finder.com.au. When not working, you can find Grace heading for the slopes, playing with her pup or stuck in a seemingly endless Instagram scroll.

Subscribe to New Idea & save!-+ save!

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to New Idea & save!

Subscribe to New Idea & save!-+ save!

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to New Idea & save!

Recommended to you

Home and Away opening title
Watch 1:09

Home and Away opening title

{headline}

{headline}

Fergie finally breaks silence on 'remarrying' Andrew

Fergie's revenge romance

Fergie glows alongside Spice Girl Mel C at charity event

Prince Andrew caught slapping Sarah Ferguson's behind in cheeky clip

{headline}

{headline}

Princess Eugenie kicked out of Kensington Palace leaving Sarah Ferguson furious

Princess Eugenie wears personalised jacket for continued wedding festivities

Fergie makes a huge announcement ahead of Princess Eugenie's wedding

{headline}

{headline}

Princess Eugenie’s wedding WILL be broadcast on TV

US report: Queen Elizabeth escapes assassins

Princess Eugenie's wedding is OFFICIALLY bigger than Meghan and Harry's

Sarah Ferguson reveals true feelings about Kate Middleton in intimate interview

Prince Charles is furious with Eugenie and Beatrice

Sarah Duchess of York posts heartbreakingly beautiful tribute to Princess Diana

Princess Anne’s FURIOUS outburst at Royal servant revealed

NewIdea
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions
NewIdea Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions

Brands

  • Girlfriend
  • New Idea food
  • Practical Parenting
  • That’s Life
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from New Idea

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to New Idea & save!-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to New Idea & save!