For around fifty Buckingham Palace employees, the evening of Tuesday December 10, 2024 was to be a moment of conviviality. After celebrating Christmas within the castle grounds, they chose to extend the festivities in a bar located a few steps from their workplace, on Victoria Street. Unfortunately, the festive atmosphere gave way to chaos.
A festive evening that turns into a disaster
According to information from The Suna 24-year-old chambermaid, visibly under the influence of alcohol, would have quickly sowed discord. The young woman allegedly threw glasses and tried to punch the bar manager. “I've never seen anyone lose control so much at a party. It was on another level“confides a witness.
Despite the intervention of security agents, the situation degenerated, requiring the intervention of the police. The employee was arrested around 9 p.m. and placed in police custody for 24 hours. The latter is now being prosecuted for assault, criminal damage and drunkenness on a public highway. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson quickly responded: “Although this was an informal social gathering and not an official Palace Christmas party, the facts will be the subject of a thorough investigation and a rigorous disciplinary procedure in respect of each member of staff”he confided. The palace also claimed that “dAppropriate measures will be taken” to prevent this type of incident from happening again.
Christmas at Sandringham: 45 guests expected at Charles III’s home
While Buckingham employees were dealing with this scandal, King Charles III was preparing to celebrate Christmas in the quiet Sandringham, about 150 km north of London. This area, where the British royal family traditionally meets for the holidays, will this year welcome no less than 45 guestsa first announced by Prince William during an official visit.
Among the guests, we will obviously find King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who will play hosts. Prince William and Kate Middleton will also be present with their children, George, Charlotte and Louis. Princess Anne, her husband and her children, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, will come accompanied by their respective families. The Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie Rhys-Jones, with her loved ones, will also be there, as will Tom Parker Bowlesthe son of Queen Camilla, who will celebrate Christmas at Sandringham for the first time. The latter will be accompanied by his two children. Finally, cousins of the king, such as Lady Sarah Chatto and David Armstrong-Jones, could also join the festivities.
However, as usual, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will shine with their absence. They chose to stay in California, far from royal traditions.
