As the festive season sweeps across the United Kingdom, the royal family has found itself at the center of both celebration and scrutiny. The Princess of Wales, Catherine, has emerged as a symbol of grace and resilience, earning widespread admiration for her recent public appearances and heartfelt gestures. Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, continue to navigate a turbulent public landscape, with family estrangement and mixed media reception overshadowing their latest projects. All the while, the nation’s beloved traditions—from royal Christmas cards to the whimsical Corgi Jumper Parade—offer a glimpse into the enduring charm and complexity of Britain’s monarchy.
On December 5, 2025, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, hosted her annual carol concert at Westminster Abbey. This event, now in its fifth year, has become a cornerstone of the royal Christmas calendar and will be broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve. According to coverage in The Mail On Sunday, Catherine’s concert drew 1,600 guests and featured performances by celebrities such as Kate Winslet, Katie Melua, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Unfortunately, Hannah Waddingham had to withdraw due to health reasons. The royal family was out in full force to support Catherine, with attendees including Prince Michael of Kent, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Zara and Mike Tindall, Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor, and Catherine’s own family—her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, her brother James, and sister-in-law Alizee.
In a move that resonated with many during these uncertain times, Catherine released a Christmas letter to her guests. She wrote, “The time, care and compassion you give, often quietly and unspoken, and without any expectation or recognition, make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others.” Her message continued: “At its heart, Christmas speaks of love taking form in the simplest, most human ways. As the year draws to a close, I hope this season brings you moments of peace and clarity, and that you too, feel surrounded by the same love and care that you offer so freely. Not in sentimental or grand gestures, but gentle ones. A moment of listening, a word of comfort, a friendly conversation, a helping hand, presence.”
Catherine’s appearance at the carol concert was nothing short of regal. Dressed in a smart Catherine Walker green coat, she was accompanied by Prince William and their children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—all clad in navy. Princess Charlotte, in particular, charmed onlookers with an adorable navy sailor jacket. The family’s coordinated elegance underscored their growing stature as the future of the British monarchy.
Earlier that week, on December 3, 2025, Catherine joined King Charles and other senior royals at Windsor Castle for a state banquet honoring German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, marking the first night of the president’s three-day visit to the UK. As reported by The Court Jeweller, the Princess of Wales dazzled in a blue Jenny Packham gown with caped sleeves and, most notably, the Oriental Circlet Tiara. This historic piece, originally crafted for Queen Victoria in 1853 and designed by Prince Albert, had not been seen in public since Queen Elizabeth II wore it in 2005. The tiara is steeped in tradition, with Queen Victoria’s will stipulating it be worn only by future Queens and Queen Consorts. Its appearance atop Catherine’s perfectly coiffed hair—secured ingeniously with a knot of her own hair rather than pins or ties—signaled both continuity and modernity within the royal family.
Catherine’s tiara collection is itself a reflection of royal history and personal milestones. Over her 13 years in the family, she has worn only five tiaras, including the Cartier Halo tiara on her wedding day in 2011—a piece gifted by King George VI to the Queen Mother. She has also been seen in the Lotus Flower Tiara, the Lover’s Knot Tiara (a favorite of Princess Diana), and the Strathmore Rose tiara. Yet, the Oriental Circlet’s recent outing was particularly significant, given its rarity and the symbolism attached to it.
Looking ahead, Catherine and William are poised to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary on April 29, 2026. Their journey, marked by public service and personal challenges—including Catherine’s own cancer diagnosis and that of King Charles—has only deepened public appreciation for their authenticity and resilience. As The Mail On Sunday noted, “It’s not something we see from many other public figures.”
Elsewhere in the royal orbit, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, faced a more complicated week. Meghan launched new As Ever products and debuted her Netflix special, ‘With Love, Meghan,’ aiming to capture the holiday spirit. However, reviews were largely negative, and the couple’s efforts to generate positive headlines faltered. The situation took a more somber turn as news broke that Meghan’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, had undergone emergency surgery and a below-the-knee amputation of his left leg in the Philippines in early December 2025. In a heartfelt plea published by The Mail On Sunday, Thomas Markle said, “I don’t want to die estranged.” He expressed his wish to see Meghan and meet his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, “before it’s too late.”
Reports indicate that Meghan did attempt to reach out to her father via email, though questions remain about whether the message was delivered to the correct address. According to sources, Meghan’s aides said that if Thomas is willing to share a different address, the message will be forwarded. Thomas, for his part, claimed he had not changed his details and had received no messages. The episode has reignited debate over family reconciliation and the responsibilities of public figures, with some critics urging Meghan to go beyond digital gestures and “show up.”
Amid these personal dramas, the royal family continued its cherished traditions. On December 7, 2025, King Charles and Queen Camilla unveiled their annual Christmas card, featuring a portrait taken on their 20th wedding anniversary at Villa Wolkonsky in Rome during a state visit to Italy. Camilla’s Lily of the Valley brooch, a Fabergé piece once owned by the Queen Mother, adorned her Anna Valentine coat dress. The brooch’s symbolism—love, marital bliss, and the “return of happiness”—did not go unnoticed, with many hoping 2026 brings joy to the devoted couple.
That same day, more than 100 corgis and their owners gathered outside Buckingham Palace for the annual Corgi Christmas Jumper Parade, a beloved spectacle that saw the dogs donning their finest festive attire before parading through Green Park. The event, drawing participants from across the UK, was a reminder of the monarchy’s enduring connection to both tradition and the public’s affections.
For those seeking a tangible piece of royal Christmas, the King donated fabric from Sandringham curtains for 25 Christmas stockings, crafted by the Dumfries House Sewing Bee and auctioned to benefit The King’s Foundation. The auction, which runs until December 12, 2025, supports heritage skills training for 15,000 students annually, with stockings fetching upwards of £700 each. The final stocking will be gifted to the King himself—a fitting close to a season rich in both nostalgia and hope.
In a year marked by both adversity and celebration, the British royal family has managed to captivate and comfort a nation in flux. Whether through Catherine’s quiet compassion, the spectacle of royal pageantry, or the simple joy of a corgi parade, the monarchy continues to weave its traditions into the fabric of modern British life.
