There's nothing quite like getting together with family for the holidays. If you're someone who spends a lot of time with family throughout the year, the holiday season still holds something special that brings magic to that time. The royal family is a perfect example of that.
The royal family works hard all year long in both official and unofficial capacities. The public being let in on their family time is always treasured. It's a simple reminder that despite their titles and the prestige in their day-to-day life, they're a family like any other. We've been treated to a little glimpse of that family life in new photos that feature an incredible lineup of royals.
Queen Elizabeth got together with three very special people to engage in a Christmas tradition. She and Prince George, Prince William, and Prince Charles got together to make Christmas pudding at Buckingham Palace. While the heartwarming quality time is sure to make for many beautiful memories, it was also in support of a new initiative by the Royal British Legion.
The holidays are here, and everyone is getting into the spirit of the season. The royal family is no exception. Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, four very special members got together for a very special activity.
Queen Elizabeth teamed up with her heirs for a special cause. She, Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince George got together at Buckingham Palace. The four generations of royals made some special Christmas puddings.
The sweet baking endeavor was for a good cause. The four Christmas puddings, which are believed to be good luck, will be centerpieces at the Royal British Legion Christmas get-togethers in 2020. It's part of their Together at Christmas initiative, which aims to provide extra support to Armed Forces and their families throughout the holidays.
Royal photographer Chris Jackson was at Buckingham Palace to capture the incredible moments. The four royals were in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. All eyes were on six-year-old Prince George, who looked delighted to be baking with his family.
Each of the royals dropped commemorative sixpences into the pudding mix. The special sixpences will be found by those attending Royal Legion gatherings throughout the year. They also added poppy seeds to the mix, to symbolize the Royal Legion's commitment to remembrance.
The Royal British Legion was extremely grateful for the royals' support. "Bringing people, families and communities together lies at the heart of the Legion’s work and has done since we were founded in 1921. As we head towards our centenary in 2021, we are proud to start a new tradition for our community with the support of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, and three generations of her family," commented Director-General Charles Byrne.
"The Legion is not only here for older veterans, but all ages of the Armed Forces community. As the Monarch and next three generations, Her Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses represent a cross-section of those supported by the Legion, from the children of service personnel to Second World War veterans," Byrne continued.
"Christmas can be a time when people’s troubles and worries are exacerbated by the financial pressures of the season or feelings of loneliness and isolation."
"The extra support the Legion can give, and the camaraderie of our get-togethers can make a big difference to our community’s well-being," he noted. Certainly, many can relate to needing that extra support during this time of year.
"Making and eating Christmas puddings has traditionally been a shared family activity, and we look forward to sharing these special puddings made with the help of The Royal Family."
The royals also posed for photos with five veterans at the pudding-making session. It was believed to have taken place before the Queen's annual pre-Christmas luncheon. Judging by the outfits that Prince George and Prince William were seen arriving in, it was likely earlier that day.
Prince George isn't the only Cambridge who loves to bake. William and Kate both showed off some baking skills in A Berry Royal Christmas. They worked with Mary Berry to create a number of festive treats for the season.
During the special, Kate commented on how much she loves to make her kids' birthday cakes. "I love making the cake," she said. "It’s become a bit of a tradition that I stay up till midnight with ridiculous amounts of cake mix and icing and I make far too much. But I love it."
The photos of the royals baking together are sweet but also rare. Queen Elizabeth has been officially photographed with her heirs only on a few occasions. The first time we saw all four generations represented was at Prince George's christening.
Another official portrait of the four was released in April 2016. It was to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday. George looked absolutely adorable flashing a big smile as he clutched his dad's hand.
These special moments are what make the royal family so wonderful. Not only do they value one another as family, but they value what their family means to the public at large. As they settle into Christmas at Sandringham, they have much to celebrate despite the challenges they faced this year.
