Merry Christmas from the Wales Family – As celebrations begin, a breaking update from Sandringham is drawing quiet attention.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will soon be heading to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk to celebrate the Christmas period with their family. But, even after a very difficult year for the Royal Family, there could be another spanner in the works as union bosses are threatening to deprive the region of fuel supplies over Christmas and New Year.

Drivers have announced their plan to walk out for 15 days between December 22 and January 25 in a dispute over pay.

Also heading to Sandringham are expected to be the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who stay at their home, Anmer Hall.

And while he looks set to spend Christmas at Royal Lodge in Windsor, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s next residence – widely reported to be Marsh Farm – is also located on the Estate.

As well as disrupting supplies to Sandringham, the drivers’ strike will also affect schools, Royal Mail refuelling sites, military establishments and hundreds of Gulf Oil petrol stations, the union said.

Speaking to The Express before, royal expert Robert Jobson explained: “On Christmas Eve when all the clan are together, the Queen’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren put the finishing touches to the 20ft Christmas tree in the White Drawing Room. Presents will be opened that day at teatime as the royals still keep to the German practice of opening their gifts on Christmas Eve.

“Gifts are laid out in the Red Drawing Room on a white linen-covered trestle table, with cards marking exactly where the piles of gifts should be put.”

Mr Jobson went on to say that once “everyone has arrived” the family enjoy “a traditional Christmas” which involves the gifting of “cheap and humorous gifts.” He added that the gifts are “unlikely to be pricey”.

A Certas Energy spokesperson said: “Contrary to some inaccurate press reports, Certas Energy confirms that drivers have been offered a generous, above inflation, pay and conditions offer.

“The offer was made in recognition of the important role our fuel delivery drivers play in delivering to our customers across the country. Certas Energy remain engaged with Unite to achieve a swift resolution.

“Customers should be reassured that in the event of industrial strike action, Certas Energy has steps in place to mitigate impact and to minimise any potential disruption to customers.”