Prince Philip Imposes Strict Rule At Christmas Despite Skipping Celebrations This Year

Prince Philip imposes one strict rule at Christmas every year, claims a royal expert.

Jess Isle, a royal expert for Royal Central, told Express that it is Prince Philip’s job to decide when the members of his family can open their presents. After all, he is the patriarch of the family. Isle also said that it is Prince Philip that started the tradition of giving “joke” gifts on Christmas Day.

“The presents are all laid out on a table in the Drawing Room at Sandringham, and they’re instructed on where to put presents for each person, with Prince Philip giving the go-ahead on when to open them. I believe it’s around tea time,” she said.

Isle also said that Christmas Day is all about heading to two church services for the royal family. They also enjoy a lavish Christmas dinner and watch Queen Elizabeth II’s speech together. On Christmas Eve, the younger members of the royal family help out in decorating the Christmas trees in Sandringham.

But this year, Prince Philip was unable to attend the Christmas church service in Sandringham because he opted the stay away from the public’s eye following his retirement. However, contrary to rumors, the 97-year-old Duke of Edinburgh is healthy.

Even though he didn’t make an appearance outside St. Mary Magdalene Church, Prince Philip bonded with his family privately in Sandringham. It is believed that he gave this year’s instructions on when they could all open their gifts together.

Meanwhile, Prince Philip was last photographed on the grounds of Windsor riding his carriage with two his female staff. Other than his recent outing, he was also present at Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s royal wedding on Oct. 12. The doting grandfather didn’t also miss Prince Harry and Markle’s royal wedding on May 19. Both nuptials were held at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

In related news, Prince Philip also made headlines this week after it was reported that he and Her Majesty also struggled with their relationship just like any other couple. Royal expert Ingrid Seward revealed that the Queen hated it whenever Prince Philip would arrive late for their engagements.