This Christmas, The Queen will face the world without Prince Philip.
But The Mail on Sunday has established that the monarch will also be without four key staff members, who have left Sandringham in what courtiers called ‘the end of an era’.
Recently, after serving as a housekeeper for 32 years, the loyal employee retired. Three other staff members have left in the two past months. All three were friends. A source said: ‘There’s been an exodus. There’s an end-of-an-era feeling after the Duke passed away. The household will have to fill those roles quickly as Christmas is the busiest time of year at Sandringham.’
John Warren was her trusted manager of bloodstock and the Queen went to Norfolk’s private estate this month to inspect her horses. Wood Farm is where Philip lived in his final years.
The Mail on Sunday has established that the Queen will be without four key staff members this Christmas after they left Sandringham in what courtiers called ‘the end of an era’
The rest of the family gathers at Sandringham every Christmas for the traditional Christmas Eve meal. The Royal Family is seen together at church on Christmas morning. The Duchess and Duke of Cambridge live at Anmer Hall in their nearby home while the rest stay in the house.
Although it seems that the Royal Family invited the Duke and Duchess to visit them over Christmas, the truth is still unknown.
A source close to the family said: ‘The Queen has made it clear she wants to see Archie again and to meet Lilibet, who she has not yet had the chance to meet. In spite of everything, they are still very much seen as part of the family.’
In 2020, The Prince of Wales and the Dukes of Cambridge arrive in Sandringham to participate in the Christmas Day church service.
The Queen is expected to attend today’s annual Remembrance Sunday service. A spokesman said: ‘The Queen will view the service from the balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office building. A wreath will be laid on her behalf by the Prince of Wales.’
The Queen did not attend the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance last night at the Royal Albert Hall. The Prince of Wales, Duchess and Duchess, Earl and Countess, Duchess and Duchess, Duchess and Duchess, Duchess and Duchess, Duke and Duchess, Earl and Countess, Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Earl and Countess, respectively, attended the event in her absence.
Last night, Buckingham Palace declined to comment about staff resignations.