Royal Christmas traditions are somewhat of a hot topic this time of year, especially when it comes to Prince William and his young family. Word on the street is that the Welsh royal family intends to spend Christmas in their own way once they ascend to the throne, and Princess Diana's former butler, Paul Burrell, agrees.

“I think the shape is already changing,” Burrell, speaking on behalf of Spin Jenny, told Marie Claire when asked about the shifting royal Christmas traditions.

“The monarchy is changing, and the coronation honeymoon seems to be over.”

As for the holidays, according to a former royal staff member, Prince William will switch things up down the road, including with his in-laws. 'When Prince William becomes King, the Middletons will spend some time together. They will spend Christmas at Sandringham.”

The author of “Royal Duties” added that the Prince of Wales would “sweep away the overdressed and the people who shouldn't be there, and it will be a very family Christmas, not a court Christmas.”

Burrell also told “Marie Claire” that Princess Diana once played a hilarious Christmas gift prank on William, adding, “For William, Christmas will be about family, not duty or chores.”

An added bonus' extended relatives “will be able to spend Christmas with their own families and not have to come to a central location anymore,” he shares. This means, for example, that Prince Andreu can stay at the Royal Lodge with Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and their husbands and children.

Burrell continues that King Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, appears to be “waiting with baited breath for William and Kate” because of his advanced age. He added, “I think the country is focused on succession rather than the current monarchy.”

This is a sentiment shared by royal historian Tessa Dunlop, who recently told the Mirror that “all eyes are always on William and the Welsh couple.” While King Charles and Queen Camilla have a full schedule, she noted, it is Prince William and Princess Kate who have dominated the headlines recently.

Dunlop continued that it must be difficult for the king to “play second fiddle to his son.” As for Christmas, it seems unlikely that the traditional Sandringham festivities will change anytime soon - at least until William ascends to the throne.