Prince William and Prince Harry, once close brothers, used to share a fun but now sadly forgotten Christmas Eve tradition.

Every year, they would kick off their festive season at Sandringham by participating in a charity football match with friends and estate staff.

The royal brothers would usually be on opposing teams for the game, which took place on a pitch opposite the 12th-century home of Tory peer Lord Greville Howard.

However, this tradition came to an abrupt end in 2016 when neither brother showed up for the match, despite both being invited.

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It’s thought that William spent that Christmas in Berkshire with his wife Kate’s family and their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

At the time, Lord Howard commented: “They were not expected. One does not like to ask why, but they have enjoyed playing in previous years.”

Just before the game was set to start, it was revealed that their cousin Zara Tindall had suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage.

Since then, their Christmas Eve football tradition has not resumed and due to the rift between them, it doesn’t seem likely to return.

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This year, William will be celebrating Christmas at Sandringham with Kate, George, Charlotte and Prince Louis.

On the other hand, Harry is expected to spend Christmas with Meghan Markle and their kids Archie and Lilibet in California.

The Royal family’s Christmas usually includes a morning visit to St Mary Magdalene Church, meeting well-wishers, and a family lunch with turkey and all the trimmings.

Charles has already recorded his historic, first-ever Christmas Broadcast as king, where he will surely reflect on the loss of his mother and her legacy. As per tradition, the Royal family will watch the televised address after lunch, typically at 3pm on December 25.

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