King Charles and Queen Camilla led the Royal Family on their traditional walk to St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate for Christmas Day service. The Queen wore a festive red ensemble, while Princess Anne followed alongside her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence.
Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, despite recent family controversies, attended the service with their husbands, smiling in the winter sunshine. The Prince and Princess of Wales were accompanied by their three children, with Catherine dressed in a dark brown tartan coat dress and pillbox hat.
The wider Royal Family, wrapped warmly against the chilly December weather, chatted amiably as they walked to church, greeting well-wishers along the way. Mike and Zara Tindall attended with their daughters, Mia and Lena, while the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were joined by their children, Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex.
King Charles appeared in high spirits as he waved to the public, only weeks after announcing that his cancer treatment would be reduced in the new year.
Inside the church, the service began with the national anthem and a welcome from the Rector, Reverend Canon Dr Paul Rhys Williams. Carols, including O Come, All Ye Faithful and While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, were played on speakers for the waiting crowds outside, many singing along in the cold.
After the 45-minute service, the King and Queen exited with the Rector and greeted fans, some of whom had camped overnight for a chance to meet members of the Royal Family. Catherine walked with Princess Charlotte, following a pre-recorded piano duet released on Christmas Eve.
Prince William put his arm around young Prince Louis as he greeted the Rector, while Catherine carried gifts and flowers from well-wishers. The children also received presents, including teddy bears and chocolates, as they interacted warmly with the public.
This year marked the second Christmas for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson at Royal Lodge in Windsor, their last at the 30-room mansion. Earlier in 2025, they agreed not to use their Duke and Duchess of York titles. King Charles formally stripped Andrew of his princely title, and the couple is expected to relocate to a property on the King’s private Sandringham Estate before spring.
The Sandringham Christmas service highlighted the Royal Family’s festive traditions and their engagement with the public despite recent family controversies and health concerns.
