Prince William is set to abolish the Royal Family's traditional Christmas gift-giving ceremony at Sandringham once he ascends to the throne, according to sources close to the heir.
The long-established custom sees inexpensive joke presents worth around £5 distributed from a specially arranged trestle table in strict order of royal seniority.
King Charles currently presides over the ritual, as did the late Queen before him, with senior members of the family receiving their gifts first while those lower in the pecking order must wait their turn.
A source said: "While William's mind is on much bigger changes than just the trestle table, it's well known to be one of those antiquated traditions that he's never really taken to."
Prince William is not a fan of various traditions throughout the Christmas period
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The hierarchy at Sandringham extends far beyond the gift-giving ritual, permeating every aspect of the festive gathering.
Christmas Eve dinner is a formal black-tie affair held to a precise timetable, with guests seated according to their position within the family.
Bedroom allocation follows the same rigid protocol, with senior royals housed closest to the dining room while lower-ranking relatives are placed in servants' quarters at greater distance.
Sarah Ferguson has previously been housed in Wood Farm, an entirely separate building on the estate.
The trestle-table ceremony particularly irks William because beloved family members such as Zara Phillips, who was not given an HRH title at birth, must wait until the very end.
A source said: "William adores Zara, he would hate that the practice of leaving her to the back of a queue."
The Waleses are known for enjoying a more informal celebration
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The Prince and Princess of Wales have long favoured a markedly different approach to festive celebrations, taking their cues from the Middleton family's informal gatherings.
Friends of the couple say they much prefer the "family chaos" style of present opening that characterises their time at Anmer Hall with Kate's parents, Michael and Carol.
This relaxed atmosphere stands in stark contrast to Sandringham's meticulously orchestrated festivities.
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The source added: "It's just not William's way of doing things at home and he has apparently quipped in the past that he wouldn't continue any of that stuff, though he appreciates his father does it for the nostalgia and as a way to remember the Queen."
The Waleses typically slip away from Sandringham as early as possible to join the Middletons at their Norfolk residence.
William has consistently expressed his intention to lead a more modern, relaxed monarchy that operates like a "normal family."
During an Apple TV interview with Eugene Levy earlier this year, the Prince of Wales indicated that changes would come during his reign, though he cautioned they would be "nothing dramatic."
King Charles is preparing for Christmas on the Sandringham Estate
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A source said: "William's reign will be a general vibe shift and little customs like the gift-giving ceremony will be undoubtedly swallowed up by that broader change."
The bedroom allocation policy has also caused discomfort among newer or more distant relatives, who have reportedly raised eyebrows at sleeping arrangements determined by position in the family tree rather than comfort.
While the modest nature of the Christmas gifts is expected to continue, the hierarchical elements that have defined Sandringham gatherings for generations appear destined for retirement.