Who's in the Queen's Royal Bubble this year? Find out who she'll be spending Christmas with

Interesting.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Interesting.

One thing's for sure, Christmas is going to look a little different for us all this year. While some families who live in the same household may be lucky enough to spend it together, others who live apart won't, and whether you need to socially distance and maintain a 2-metre gap in order to protect others are still rife.

But what about the Queen? Will she be spending Christmas as normal this year or will coronavirus restrictions mean she too has to downsize her normal celebrations?

Don't miss out Royal-inspired Black Friday deals. Kate Middleton's fav dress designer, The Vampire's Wife, is 50% off, and the Royal's favourite notebook brand is 40% reduced, too.

We've done some digging and, according to Royal sources, the Queen will host a Christmas gathering this year, but it'll be significantly smaller than usual and only include those who are in her bubble.

Celebrating at Sandringham in Norfolk, she'll be sacrificing seeing the majority of her family just like the rest of the nation. So who has she picked to have in her Christmas bubble?

Shop Meghan Markle's favourite handbag now: DeMellier Mini Venice Bag, was £295.00, now £236.00 (save 20%)

Shop Meghan Markle's favourite handbag now: DeMellier Mini Venice Bag, was £295.00, now £236.00 (save 20%)
You'll wear this time and time... and time again. Trust us.

Shop the Annie Bing Ryan trousers Meghan Markle wears, was £222.00, now £133.00, (save 40%)

Shop the Annie Bing Ryan trousers Meghan Markle wears, was £222.00, now £133.00, (save 40%)
Chic and understated, you could wear these with anything. We love.

Shop Kate Middleton's go-to trainer choice, Veja 3-lock logo trainers, was £100.00, now £70.00 (save 30%)

Shop Kate Middleton's go-to trainer choice, Veja 3-lock logo trainers, was £100.00, now £70.00 (save 30%)
Did you know all Veja trainers are vegan? Upgrade any outfit with their stylish trainers.

It can't be an easy decision. The Royal family is huge, with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh having four kids alone, before you even get started on the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As per the most recent government guidelines, three households are allowed to mix indoors from the 23rd December to 27th December 27, but that bubble must be exclusive, meaning no moving about from group to group.

Who will be in the Queen’s royal Christmas bubble?

In a normal year, the Queen spends Christmas with:

  • The Prince of Wales
  • The Duchess of Cornwall
  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
  • Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
  • The Duke of York
  • Princess Beatrice and her then-fiance Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
  • The Princess Royal
  • The Earl and Countess of Wessex.

While an official decision won't be announced for a few weeks, at least, whether the Queen and Prince Phillip should spend it with anyone at all is still being questioned. They are 94 and 99, respectively, after all.

Meghan Markle's favourite Missoma signet ring - was £89.00, now £66.75 (save 25%)

Meghan Markle's favourite Missoma signet ring - was £89.00, now £66.75 (save 25%)
You don't need to convince us to spend more with Missoma... the only problem is it's pretty hard to streamline your basket once you're on the site...

Meghan Markle's go-to CASTAÑER Carina 60 canvas wedge espadrilles - was £85.00, now £60.00 (save 30%)

Meghan Markle's go-to CASTAÑER Carina 60 canvas wedge espadrilles - was £85.00, now £60.00 (save 30%)
If it's good enough for Meghan.... we're sold. Fun fact: Kate is also a big fan of these heels, wearing them regularly for events and outings.

Meghan's favourite Diptyque Candle 190g, was £47.00, now £37.50 (20% off)

Meghan's favourite Diptyque Candle 190g, was £47.00, now £37.50 (20% off)
It's clear why Diptique are Meghan's favs - they're delightful. Add this Egyptian incense spiced candle to your collection, and enjoy the woody scent of this popular offering.

Whoever they choose in turn won't be able to see their families. For example, if Kate and William were to spend Christmas with the Queen, the children wouldn't be able to celebrate with any of Kate's family during that period.

More as we know it.

Ally Head
Senior Health, Sustainability and Relationships Editor

Ally Head is Marie Claire UK's Senior Health, Sustainability, and Relationships Editor, nine-time marathoner, and Boston Qualifying runner. Day-to-day, she works across site strategy, features, and e-commerce, reporting on the latest health updates, writing the must-read health and wellness content, and rounding up the genuinely sustainable and squat-proof gym leggings worth *adding to basket*. She's won a BSME for her sustainability work, regularly hosts panels and presents for events like the Sustainability Awards, and is a stickler for a strong stat, too, seeing over nine million total impressions on the January 2023 Wellness Issue she oversaw. Follow Ally on Instagram for more or get in touch.