Members of the Royal Family gathered on Christmas Day for their traditional walk to church at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate, led by King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The Queen stood out in a festive red outfit, coordinated with Princess Anne, who followed behind with her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence. Despite earlier uncertainty surrounding their attendance due to controversies involving their parents, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice joined the procession with their husbands and were seen smiling as they walked alongside other family members.
The Prince and Princess of Wales attended with their three children. Catherine wore a dark brown tartan coat dress paired with a pillbox hat, while the children walked comfortably among relatives.
As they made their way to the church in the cold December weather, members of the wider family chatted with one another and acknowledged members of the public lining the route, responding to calls of “Merry Christmas”.
Mike and Zara Tindall were present with their daughters, Mia and Lena, while the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended with their children, Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex. The King appeared cheerful as he greeted well-wishers, weeks after announcing that his cancer treatment would be scaled down in the new year.
The service began with the national anthem and a welcome from the Rector and was broadcast to crowds gathered outside. Carols including O come, all ye Faithful, Oh little town of Bethlehem and While shepherds watched their flocks by night were sung during the service.
After the 45-minute service, the King and Queen exited the church alongside the Rector and met members of the public, some of whom had waited overnight to see the family. Catherine later walked out with Princess Charlotte, following the release of a video showing them performing a piano duet for Catherine’s Christmas carol service.
William was seen putting his arm around Prince Louis as he exchanged greetings, wishing the Rector a “very Merry Christmas” before the family continued to meet the crowd. Catherine and the children received flowers and gifts from well-wishers, with Louis holding a blue Mickey Mouse toy, Charlotte accepting bouquets and teddy bears, and Prince George carrying boxes of chocolates.
The children appeared relaxed as they greeted members of the public, while Catherine took time to speak with as many people as possible before the family returned to the house to continue their Christmas celebrations.
