The Royal Family upheld a cherished festive tradition on Christmas Day, gathering for the annual morning church service at the monarch's Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Led by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the family made the short, public walk from Sandringham House to the nearby St Mary Magdalene Church, greeting well-wishers who had gathered to share seasonal greetings.
A Traditional Gathering with Notable Absences
The congregation was a display of the modern royal family. The King and Queen were accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, along with their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The group also included the King's nieces, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who attended the festivities without their father.
Their father, the Duke of York, was conspicuously absent from the public event. Prince Andrew, who has withdrawn from public duties following scrutiny over his association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, was also stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages by the King in a previous move.
Highlights from the Festive Walk
The event provided a series of heartwarming scenes for royal watchers and the public alike. The Prince and Princess of Wales spent time engaging warmly with the crowd outside the church, with William seen in conversation and Catherine accepting flowers. Their children were also spotted holding small gifts presented by members of the public.
Princess Eugenie attended with her husband, Jack Brooksbank, while Princess Beatrice was joined by her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Other family members present included Lady Louise Windsor and Mia Tindall, daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall.
A Continuation of Royal Ritual
The Christmas Day service at Sandringham is a long-standing ritual for the royals, offering a rare glimpse of the family together in a relaxed, celebratory setting. The event took place on Thursday, 25 December 2025, marking King Charles's third Christmas as sovereign. The walk to and from the church allows for public interaction, a key element of the day that underscores the family's connection with supporters during the holiday season.
Despite the ongoing adjustments within the monarchy, the service proceeded smoothly, symbolising continuity and tradition. The presence of the younger generation, from George and Charlotte to Louis and Mia, highlighted the family's future, even as the shadow of past controversies was acknowledged through the absence of the Duke of York.
