Royals: they’re just like us! While we’ll likely never get invited to Christmas dinner with the royal family, it’s nice to imagine what it’d be like. In fact, it sounds quite similar to your average December holiday celebration.

One of the best parts of the holidays is the yummy desserts, and let’s just say the royal family’s choice of sweets sounds more than delicious than we could’ve imagined. One treat they eat in particular is called a mince pie — a dessert that takes a lot of time and effort. “Give yourself plenty of time,” Royal Pastry chef Kathryn Cuthbertson previously shared on the Royal Family website. “Pastry is not something that likes to be rushed,” Chef de Partie, Victoria Scupham, agreed.

Queen Elizabeth
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Together, the chefs make a plethora of the sweet treat for the royal family at Christmas. “It’s probably thousands each,” Kathryn laughed when for an exact amount. “But as long as you’re organized, it’s doable.”

The entire treat is handmade, and the mincemeat is prepped by a small team in the kitchens at Buckingham Palace months in advance. Along with different variations of the mince pies, the royal family also enjoys gingerbread biscuits, Sablés à la Confiture with homemade jam, and chocolate roulade.

Before the treats, however, comes a lot of savory options as well. After the mid-morning church service, the royal family allegedly gathers for a turkey lunch. “After church, that’s when they have a big lunch that includes a salad with shrimp or lobster, and a roasted turkey, and all of your traditional side dishes like parsnips, carrots, brussels sprouts and Christmas pudding with brandy butter for dessert,” Darren McGrady, the former chef to the Queen, Princess Diana, Prince William, and Prince Harry, previously told Cosmopolitan.

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“Guests are expected to enter the dining room in order of seniority,” Ingrid Seward, royal expert and Editor-In-Chief of Majesty Magazine also said, according to Grazia. “Then the head chef carves the turkey and, after lunch, the crackers are pulled. Paper hats are donned, but not by the Queen.”

After lunch comes the Queen’s televised speech and a brisk walk. Before the candlelit buffet dinner (equip with 16-20 options!) on Christmas, guests will enjoy gargantuan iced cake and tea. We bet they’re super full after all that eating!

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