In the end, it was the year that Prince William described as probably “the hardest year in my life.” The sudden dual cancer diagnoses of the King and Princess of Wales thrust the royals, and the UK, in to unprecedented territory. Working timetables were tossed aside as the family dealt with personal challenges that William described as “brutal.”

The King's Speech will see Charles in a former hospital chapel as he and Princess Kate mark the holiday after a year in which they were diagnosed with cancer. Prince Andrew and Prince Harry will be absent.

The royal family traditionally opens their Christmas presents not on Christmas morning but on Christmas Eve, keeping with tradition that dates back to the British royal family’s deep German roots that extend as far back as Queen Victoria (and beyond!

The British monarchy kept some beloved holiday traditions alive this year, including its annual Christmas Day stroll. In a break from tradition, however, the family's holiday message was delivered from a hospital chapel with King Charles striking a personal note,

King Charles and Queen Camilla, who have made Christmas morning mass at Sandringham Church an annual tradition, were joined by Prince William, Kate Middleton and their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Just like every other family, the royals also have their own set of special Christmas traditions. Here are 12 royal family Christmas traditions.