Today’s Christmas service saw Charles III lead members of the Royal Family for the traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene’s Church on the Sandringham Estate. Large crowds had gathered outside the church to get a glimpse of the Royals.
It has been a turbulent year for the Royal Family, with both The King and The Princess of Wales undergoing treatment for cancer, and more recently further controversy surrounding Prince Andrew.
Royals attend the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham
The Royal Family left Sandringham just before 11am, where they walked down from the House to the church on the estate.
Alongside King Charles at the front in leading the Royals was Queen Camilla, who was wearing a green ensemble paired with Elizabeth II’s Greville Ivy Leaf clip brooches for this year’s Service.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children, George, Charlotte and Louis followed Their Majesties. Catherine opted for a green tartan coat, whilst Charlotte was wearing a navy coat.
Today’s appearance from The Princess was well received by many after having to step back from public duties this year, following her cancer diagnosis in March. The Princess has only conducted a handful of engagements this year including included Trooping the Colour to celebrate Charles’ birthday, meeting the families of the girls killed in Stockport, attending Wimbledon in the summer, Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph and hosting her fourth carol concert at Westminster Abbey.
In a moving video message broadcast in September, the Princess said her journey with cancer isn’t over yet and her ‘path to healing and full recovery is long’ and she must take each day as it comes.
Prince William, Catherine and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis leaving the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were accompanied by their children, Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex.
The Princess Royal attended alongside her husband, Sir Tim Laurence. They were joined by Zara and Mike Tindall and their two daughters. Peter Phillips was also there.
The Duke of York was not in attendance at this year’s Service after stepping back following the accusations that he had connections to an alleged Chinese spy. Andrew had attended a number of family events earlier in the year, such as the Easter Matins service and the memorial service for the late Constantine II of Greece, both of which took place at St George’s Chapel.
Princesses Eugenie was also not in attendance this year, having decided to spend Christmas with her in-laws, something that she hasn’t done for a number of years.
Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edo, were also set to spend the festive period with Edo’s family abroad and are also expecting her second child together in early 2025. However, Beatrice made a last minute decision to join the Royals at Sandringham this year after receiving medical advice from her doctors not to travel long-distances.
A pregnant Princess Beatrice and family leaving the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham
The party was complete with the attendance of the Chattos and Snowdons – Charles’ cousins Sarah and David with their families.
After the service, the Royals greeted members of the public, chatting and receiving flowers. The family then headed back to Sandringham House, where they will have a lunch together and then a more formal dinner in the evening.
Later during the day, The King gave his traditional Christmas broadcast. However, this year’s message was filmed in the Fitzrovia Chapel in central London rather than a Royal residence.
