Christmas is a key time to measure the closeness between members of the Windsor family.
Since Charles III assumed the throne, he has followed the tradition of gathering his entire family at Sandringham House, the iconic country house in Norfolk that has been the epicenter of royal Christmas celebrations since the time of Elizabeth II.
This year, the gathering included Queen Camilla’s children and grandchildren, but as has become customary, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were left out and decided not to attend.
Royal Family Christmas Walk at Sandringham
The traditional church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church marked the highlight of the festivities. Kate Middleton, along with her three children, George, Charlotte and Louis, starred in the walk to the church, accompanied by the rest of the Windsor family.
Upon arrival, they were warmly greeted by Reverend Canon Dr. Paul Rhys Williams before entering the church, where the National Anthem was sung followed by “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
The elegant looks of the attendees also grabbed the attention.
Queen Camilla opted for a dark green military-style coat paired with high boots, while Kate Middleton wore a sophisticated green coat designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, complemented with a matching headdress and a Scottish-print scarf.
Duchess Sophie also stood out in a sky blue coat and tall boots.
This Christmas tradition has its roots in the time of Elizabeth II, who traveled every December to Sandringham after bidding farewell to the staff of Buckingham Palace with a Christmas meal.
Her stay at the estate extended into February, culminating with the anniversary of her father’s death, an event of great personal significance.
Charles III has decided to keep this custom alive, moving to Sandringham on December 24 with his family to celebrate Christmas Eve.
Among the notable attendees were Princess Anne and her husband, Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh with their children Lady Louise and James of Wessex, and Zara and Mike Tindall with their young children Mia, Lena and Lucas.
On the part of Queen Camilla’s family, her children Tom Parker-Bowles and Laura Lopes, along with their respective children, also participated in the festivities.
One detail that did not go unnoticed was Charles III’s decision to recently withdraw the invitation to the Duke of York, Andrew, following the scandal linking him to a Chinese spy.
However, other members of the extended family, such as Beatrice of York, who is expecting her second child, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, were present.
After the religious service, the family returned to Sandringham House to share the traditional Christmas meal and listen to King Charles III’s speech, broadcast at 3 pm.