Prince William plans changes for the day he sits on the throne

According to a palace insider ahead of Christmas, the heir­ apparent intends to abolish the royal family’s long‑standing Christmas gathering at Sandringham Estate after he is crowned. In addition, he plans to end the custom of handing out trivial £5 Christmas gifts — a tradition long ridiculed within the palace.

Prince William and Princess Kate

(Photo: Aaron Chown – Pool/Getty Images)

“While William is focused on far bigger reforms than the Christmas dinner, it is well known he never felt connected to the cheap Christmas‑gift tradition, nor to the Sandringham gathering. It’s likely these two customs will be the first to go once he becomes king,” the source said.

Regarding the “silly gifts,” tradition holds that the royals exchange inexpensive gag gifts on Christmas Eve. Under that tradition, younger or more junior family members often receive gifts last — something that reportedly frustrates William, especially when it means members such as Zara Tindall — daughter of Princess Anne — end up at the bottom of the list. The insider claims William “adores” Zara and dislikes the fact that she is last to receive, and previously joked he won’t continue the tradition, despite understanding that his father does it out of nostalgia and in memory of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Fans have praised Princess Kate’s patience with son Prince Louis

(Photo: Aaron Chown – Pool/Getty Images)

William and Kate continue to present a picture of a united, loving family

(Photo: Aaron Chown – Pool/Getty Images)

Of course, Christmas tweaks are not the only reforms William reportedly envisions. He has spoken before about wanting a modern, more relaxed, and “much more normal” family‑style monarchy than the one currently in place.

Still, until his coronation happens (which likely won’t be soon), William and Kate continue to present a picture of a united, loving family — recently attending the royal Christmas concert with their three children, Prince George of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince Louis of Cambridge — with little Louis once again stealing the show.

Prince William and his children

(Photo: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

One social‑media royal fan wrote: “Louis’s smile is just like his mom’s,” while another compared his mischief to that of his grandfather, Charles: “He looks clever, cheeky and playful like him.” A third admirer added: “My heart melts every time I see those pictures of William, Kate and the kids,” while others praised Kate’s patience with Louis.