Inside the royal homes at Christmas times and why Charles, Kate and Will steer clear of a controversial decoration

PUTTING up the decorations whilst having some mulled wine is what truly helps to get Brits in the Christmas spirit. 

And there’s no better feeling than getting cosy in your living room with a bit of twinkle from the lights and sparkle from the baubles on the tree. 

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But you may notice that different households you go to have specific styles when it comes to choosing their Christmas decorations.

Some like to keep it classic with garlands, whilst others only choose to have beaded garlands instead. 

It all comes down to opinion, but there is one festive accessory that the Royals steer very clear of - and may be seen as a bit controversial to some. 

The Royal family don’t do things small, and love to keep things luxurious when it comes to their living arrangements.

And that doesn’t stop when it comes to adding a festive touch to their homes. 

A former royal butler Grant Harrold has previously claimed that the royals are not a fan of using tinsel. 

Grant, who worked for King Charles for seven years until 2011, suggested to The Mirror that they prefer to keep to lights and baubles. 

Tinsel mimics the effect of ice, and comes in a range of bright and sparkling colours and has become a Christmas staple for many households worldwide. 

But the decoration, which is made out of plastic, is a no-go for the royals as they opt for a much more environmentally friendly option. 

He alleged: “Everybody gets the tinsel but if you go to a royal home, it is a lot more greenery, baubles and lights, not tinsel."

This has previously been proven with pictures shared on social media and royal events held at their homes. 

Last year, The Princess of Wales hosted her Christmas Carol service on Friday December 8, where midwives and nursery teachers were among the guests in celebration of those supporting young children and families. 

Her tree was spotted looking simple with no tinsel insight and plenty of sparkling lights. 

Queen Camilla traditionally invites children supported by Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity to decorate the Christmas tree at Clarence House. 

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And with that, they typically chose to decorate with ornaments and baubles rather than tinsel. 

In the background of the late Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas speeches that she recorded at the likes of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, the Christmas trees were visible and appeared to also be bare of tinsel.

Our late Queen would hosts members of her family - kids included - for a Christmas buffet at Buckingham Palace before she heads to Sandringham. 

At the festive event, she would sit the children in a separate room and there are no crackers on the table. 

Mike Tindall, who is married to the Queen’s granddaughter Zara, said: “This is the other one, the family lunch, there must be about 70 of us there – there are seven tables and then the kiddies have their own little one in a different room.”

The Queen was also said to buy 620 gifts for royal staff and family, which works out at a final bill of around £30,000, according to a former palace aide.

The aide told Fabulous: “The presents are usually a book token, or a small piece of china from the palace gift shop, and most years she gives them a small Christmas pudding in a box as well." 

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