Christmas is a time for family and for the royals, that is no different.

The late Queen Elizabeth II was known to be fond of spending time with her nearest and dearest as a means of recharging and reflecting.

In 2015, she said in her Christmas message: “One of the joys of living a long life is watching one’s children, then grandchildren, then great-grandchildren, help decorate the Christmas tree.”

Her passing has not changed this focus on family over the festive period, with King Charles known to enjoy a big family presence at Sandringham in Norfolk.

After a year marred by illness for him and Princess Kate, this year looks set to be more of the same, with the potential for a few unusual guests to make an appearance.

Robert Jobson, author of Catherine, The Princess Of Wales told OK!: “The tradition of togetherness at Christmas was a big thing for the late Queen but it’s important for Charles, too, especially this year.

“It’s a lovely chance to see his grandchildren. He’ll be surrounded by those he cherishes most, enjoying the chance to eat, drink and be merry with them.”

The marriage of Charles and Camilla merge two large families and it is likely that members of each will be present this year – which hasn’t always been the case.

The King of course has five grandchildren, George, Charlotte and Louis from Prince William and Archie and Lillibet from Prince Harry.

Less well known is the fact that he has five step-grandchildren since his marriage – Lola, Eliza, Louis, Gus and Freddy.

Their appearance could lead to a busy Sandringham this Christmas but that might not be the end of the royal guestlist.

Royal expert Duncan Larcombe believes that the Tindalls could also be present as well as Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, making it “chaos – a Christmas dominated by children.”

He said: “They can’t go too mad with the guest list, because they need enough staff at Sandringham to supply the service.

“It’s useful that William and Kate have a home, Anmer Hall, on the estate. It means Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton can be involved.”

The King’s ongoing estrangement from Prince Harry means that he is unlikely to spend time with Lillibet and Archie over the festive period, with royal sources confident that their absence will “play on the King’s mind.”