The Windsor Winter Wonderland (episode 35)

In 1800, Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, erected the first
known Christmas tree at Windsor Castle. She hosted a party for
the children of Windsor families. According to Dr. John Watkins,
who wrote a biography of Queen Charlotte, the large yew tree
stood in a tub in the middle of the drawing room at Queen’s
Lodge. The branches were decorated with “bunches of sweetmeats,
almonds, and raisins in papers, fruits and toys, most tastefully
arranged, and the whole illuminated by small wax
candles.” 

Prince Albert popularized the Christmas tree. As he and Queen
Victoria shared their family tradition of gathering around the
tree at Windsor Castle with popular publications of the day, the
tradition caught on with families throughout the country. With
the support (and possibly encouragement) of the royal family,
Illustrated London News, Cassell’s Magazine, and The Graphic
shared images of the royal Christmas at Windsor with details
about the royal trees.

After Victoria, in the early 20th century, the royals began
celebrating Christmas at Sandringham. Edward VII decided to start
holding family Christmas celebrations there in 1864. George V
continued the tradition of the royal family Christmas at
Sandringham. In 1932, King George V delivered the first royal
Christmas broadcast live from Sandringham House. 

George VI, who succeeded his brother, gave his first Christmas
broadcast in 1937. In 1939, George VI spoke on the first
Christmas of World War II. He sadly reflected on the loss of
peace during the Christmas season and praised the Royal Navy,
British Expeditionary Force, and armies of the Empire. As the war
ended and new challenges arose, George VI spoke of the unity and
steadfastness of the Commonwealth and the Empire.

Her Majesty the Queen gave her first Christmas message from the
same desk and chair that her father and grandfather had used. She
pledged to carry on the tradition of Christmas broadcasts and
thanked people for their loyalty and affection. She has delivered
broadcasts from Sandringham, New Zealand, Buckingham Palace, and
Windsor Castle. As technology progressed, she moved the broadcast
from radio to television and then to HD, and often incorporates
additional footing.

This year, the Queen’s annual Christmas message will be delivered
from Windsor Castle—which is the same location as her two
previous addresses of 2020. Last year, in 2019, the Queen said it
is “the small steps, not the giant leaps” that bring about
lasting change in the world. This was a reference to the 50th
anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission and our own roles in doing
good in the world. As always, her message is both timely and
utterly timeless.


History shows us what's possible.