Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Why Princess Kate was 'worried' about first Christmas with the royals

Kate married Prince William in 2011

kate middleton first royal christmas
Danielle Stacey
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
Share this:

One of the most nerve-wracking occasions for any new royal has to be the first Christmas at Sandringham, and the Princess of Wales once revealed a relatable worry she had for her first festive season as a member of the family.

Speaking on the 2016 ITV documentary, Our Queen at Ninety, Kate said: "I can remember being at Sandringham, for the first time, at Christmas. And I was worried what to give the Queen as her Christmas present. I was thinking, 'Gosh, what should I give her?'"

WATCH: William and Kate share new family portrait

She continued: "I thought, 'I'll make her something.' Which could have gone horribly wrong. But I decided to make my granny's recipe of chutney.

"I was slightly worried about it, but I noticed the next day that it was on the table. I think such a simple gesture went such a long way for me and I've noticed since she's done that on lots of occasions and I think it just shows her thoughtfulness, really, and her care in looking after everybody."

REVEALED: Meghan Markle shares new details about first Christmas with the royals

kate middleton christmas 2011© Photo: Getty Images

Kate walking to church for her first royal Christmas in 2011

The royals are also known to give one another humorous presents, with Kate reportedly gifting her brother-in-law, Prince Harry, a 'Grow Your Own Girlfriend' kit before he started dating Meghan Markle

Meanwhile, Harry is said to have gifted his grandmother a shower cap emblazoned with the phrase 'Ain't life a [expletive],' while William reportedly once treated the Queen to a pair of slippers with her face on them.

royal family christmas 2019© Photo: Getty Images

George and Charlotte made their Christmas Day debuts in 2019

Kate married Prince William in April 2011 and made her debut on the walk to the Christmas Day church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham that December.

The then Duchess of Cambridge, wearing a berry coat and hat, showed no signs of nerves as she greeted the crowds on the way to the service.  

The Wales's eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, made their Christmas Day debuts in 2019 as they accompanied their parents to church.

Like this story? Sign up to The Royal Explainer newsletter to receive your weekly dose of royal features and other exclusive content.

More Royalty

See more