The Queen Is "Totally Committed" to Hosting a Family Christmas in Sandringham
She's had to cancel other engagements due to her health.


The Queen has regretfully canceled several official engagements (opens in new tab) recently, on her doctors' medical advice (opens in new tab). But her annual Christmas celebrations in Sandringham (opens in new tab), Norfolk, aren't something she's willing to give up, says one Palace insider. They were already canceled last year due to the pandemic, but this year, the monarch is intent on seeing them through.
"This year, more than ever, it is incredibly important to Her Majesty to be surrounded by her loved ones," the insider told the Mirror (opens in new tab). "The Queen is totally committed to hosting everyone as she hopes to make it back to full health in the coming weeks."
Hopefully, the Queen's time of rest will allow for her to make the most of this year's Christmas celebrations, especially in the light of Prince Philip's passing (opens in new tab) in April. "Her Majesty is resting under doctors’ orders with the intention of being able to fully enjoy the company of her extended family over the holiday period," the source added. "After being forced to cancel a host of engagements, the family get-together will be the perfect tonic."
So Sandringham is happening, supposedly. Whether or not a certain Duke and Duchess of Sussex (opens in new tab) will be in attendance is a whole other kettle of fish. Rumors were circulating a few weeks ago that they intended to make the trip (opens in new tab) to England for Christmas to introduce baby Lilibet (opens in new tab) to her British family, but one royal expert wasn't so sure (opens in new tab). Most recently, Prince Harry was said to be (opens in new tab) in a "panic" about the Queen's health, and fully intending to visit her for Christmas or before. As per, only time will tell whether they are included in the festivities.
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Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
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