Prince William to protest ‘hierarchical’ royal Christmas tradition with Kate Middleton’s help

Prince William has reportedly added a “hierarchical” royal practice around Christmastime to the growing list of things which could potentially change once he is in charge of the Firm.

According to the Daily Mail, once the Prince of Wales becomes king, “it is understood that he will scrap an outdated ceremony which involves handing out ‘joke’ £5 presents in strict order of royal seniority.”

The tradition is considered “antiquated” because it requires junior royals to patiently wait their turn while the pile of gifts “diminishes.”

“While William’s mind is on much bigger changes than just the trestle table, it’s well known to be one of those antiquated traditions that he’s never really taken to,” a source told the publication. “You can expect that to be one of the first things to go when he eventually hosts his first Sandringham Christmas.”

The report further suggested that in this case, the future monarch is taking “his cues” from Kate Middleton — more specifically, “the more relaxed Middleton family”.

“The Royal family’s festive gathering has always run on a strict, and quietly rigid hierarchy – completely at odds to the easy, informal gatherings William and Catherine are known to prefer at Anmer Hall with the Middletons,” it was added.

Prince William’s unfavoured tradition has been practiced during the royal family’s Christmas celebrations at Sandringham since the time of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, while King Charles has maintained its heritage.