Step Inside the Royal Family's Private Christmas World

On November 23rd, the Christmas tree at The State Apartments at Windsor Castle got decorated for the season. The tree is a 20-foot Nordmann Fir and twinkles a fine gold in St. George's Hall. The Windsor Castle State Apartments frequently are used for events by the Royal Family.

On the same day, a tree is also trimmed in the Crimson Drawing room, with a red and purple motif. Queen Elizabeth II enjoys most of her weekends at Windsor Castle, as well as the Easter period. Here, an employee stands beside the 15-foot tree as daylight spills through the windows.

What would the holidays be without a formal meal? This year, the State Dining Room at Windsor Castle looks equal parts elegant and celebratory with silver-gilt items from the Grand Service. We can only imagine what fabulous delights will be cooked up by the royal chef and culinary team members at the castle.

Last year, Queen Elizabeth II sat down in the spirited Regency Room at Buckingham Palace. The Queen sits on a beautifully embroidered seat after recording her Christmas Day broadcast to the Commonwealth. Here's to hoping we get another peek of the stately room in 2017.

As per tradition, the royal family attends church on Christmas Day. In this photo from 2016, Prince William and Kate Middleton usher their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, along in Bucklebury, Berkshire. With Middleton due this coming spring, this Christmas will mark their last as a family of four.

Year-round, the royal family volunteers their time to serve their community and the world at large, with particularly poignant contributions occurring during the holiday season. In this photo, Prince William does crafts with the charity The Mix, an organization that provides phone and online-based support to teenagers and young adults.

At the same Christmas party, Kate Middleton enjoys time interacting with staff and young individuals attending the event. Her red and green dress is the perfect look for the joyous event.

Hmmm, we'll have to check with our mailperson on the status of our 2017 missive. Shown here is The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall's 2016 holiday greeting card, perched on a decorated tree. The royal digs, Clarence House, shared the note, and we certainly hope we get a glimpse of some of this year's cards, too.

This year's makeover hasn't been shared yet, but PopSugar reports that the front of the palace typically features dozens of trees, glowing in festive holiday lights. We'd certainly be very curious to see how the soon-to-be-married Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decorate Nottingham Cottage, their home on the Kensington Palace property.

The Buckingham Palace Shop is brimming with holiday gifts. If you can't make it to one of their brick-and-mortar stores (locations include Buckingham Palace Road, Windsor Castle, and The Royal Mile in Edinburgh), there is worldwide shipping available through their website. Peruse Christmas gifts ranging from Buckingham Palace Mince Pies to Buckingham Palace Crown ornaments.