Queen Elizabeth II usually celebrates Christmas with the members of the royal family by attending the morning service. They also do the traditional walkabout where they meet and greet the public who wanted to have a close encounter with them.
However, the monarch has a much quieter affair for New Year’s. According to The Mirror, Queen Elizabeth II spends this special day in Sandringham as part of her Christmas break. She remains at the Norfolk estate until the beginning of February.
She celebrates New Year’s Eve with a select few members of the royal family. She extends invitation to all members of the royal family and those who usually say “yes” are often those who are not able to join her on Christmas Day.
Usually, the Queen decides when the festivities end. According to the monarch’s former private secretary William Heseltine, “Nobody felt it right to go to be before the Queen did.”
On New Year’s Day, the Queen goes to church with the members of the family. She spends the afternoon relaxing and often goes horse riding.
This year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge skipped New Year’s Eve with the Queen. Prince William and Middleton reportedly joined the duchess’ family. The Middletons go all out when it comes to New Year’s celebrations.
In 2012, Prince William and Middleton snubbed Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles by spending the holiday with the Middletons. Initially, they were expected to celebrate it with the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. However, the newlyweds opted to skip the royal celebration.
At the time, Pippa hired a teepee-style tent from an upmarket events firm and hosted the party in her parents’ Berkshire garden. Prince William and Middleton were spotted at the celebration. They were visibly enjoying the event according to an onlooker who saw them laughing and joking.
Prince Harry and Markle also didn’t join Queen Elizabeth II on New Year’s Eve. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are still in Canada.