Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Marie Claire
Marie Claire
Lifestyle
Amy Mackelden

The One "Antiquated Tradition" Prince William Is Desperate to Get Rid of When He "Finally" Becomes King

Prince William and Kate Middleton walk past a lit Christmas tree as they arrive at the state banquet for the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender at Windsor Castle on December 3, 2025.

When it comes Christmas, the British Royal Family has a plethora of traditions, many of which date back decades. But according to a new report, Prince William isn't a fan of one holiday tradition in particular, which he believes to be "antiquated."

According to the Daily Mail, "[W]hen Prince William becomes King, it is understood that he will scrap an outdated ceremony which involves handing out 'joke' £5 [$6.65] presents in strict order of royal seniority."

The outlet suggested that Prince William would likely keep the tradition of exchanging "joke" gifts, but he'd obliterate any semblance of "hierarchy." The so-called "'antiquated' game involves the cheap gifts being handed out" by the monarch "from a specially-assembled trestle [or folding] table in a ritual which perfectly captures the Windsor pecking order."

One royal source told the outlet, "While William's mind is on much bigger changes than just the trestle [folding] table, it's well known to be one of those antiquated traditions that he's never really taken to." The source further alleged, "You can expect that to be one of the first things to go when he eventually hosts his first Sandringham Christmas."

"It's well known to be one of those antiquated traditions that he's never really taken to." (Image credit: Getty Images)

The publication also noted that Prince William has apparently gotten used to spending Christmas Day with his own family—wife Princess Kate and children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—at Anmer Hall.

Per the Daily Mail, "Friends say the couple enjoy the Middleton-style 'family chaos' present opening rather than Sandringham's more orchestrated festivities."

"You can expect that to be one of the first things to go when he eventually hosts his first Sandringham Christmas." (Image credit: Getty Images)

Basically, "when it's finally his turn to host," William will apparently be implementing some changes, and the folding tables could be the first casualty. "I can't know how to hear any more about tables," said Prince William, probably.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.