Princess Diana reportedly found the royal family's Christmas celebrations at Sandringham Estate to be a less-than-joyful experience. Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine and author of "My Mother and I," revealed Diana's feelings about the holiday tradition, describing it as "claustrophobic" for the free-spirited princess.
Seward explained that Diana struggled with the rigid royal protocols and traditions surrounding the festivities. The structured order of events and emphasis on formality clashed with Diana's more relaxed and independent nature. These customs, while not necessarily rules, felt restrictive to the princess.
Andrew Morton, author of "Diana: Her True Story," corroborated Seward's account, stating that Diana's unease began during her first Christmas at Sandringham in 1981. Morton's book, based on Diana's own words, detailed the princess's disappointment upon discovering the royal family's penchant for gag gifts. Diana, who had carefully selected thoughtful presents for her new family, was reportedly "mortified" to receive a toilet paper holder after gifting Princess Anne a cashmere sweater.
This incident, recounted by both Seward and Morton, highlighted the cultural disconnect between Diana and the royal family. Seward’s source, a friend who worked at Sandringham and assisted Diana with her Christmas shopping, confirmed the princess's confusion and dismay at the gag gift exchange. Diana's upbringing and understanding of Christmas gifting contrasted sharply with the royal family's more lighthearted approach.
Despite her childhood familiarity with Sandringham, having grown up nearby and played with Princes Andrew and Edward, the estate took on a different feel during the formal Christmas gatherings. Diana's hairdresser, Richard Dalton, also confirmed her dislike of the Sandringham Christmas tradition, citing the cold, early dinners, and the obligatory viewing of the Queen's Christmas message.
