The Royal Family stepped out together on Christmas Day at Sandringham — and while one notable figure was missing,
it was the youngest royals who completely stole the spotlight.
Hundreds of well-wishers gathered outside St Mary Magdalene Church to catch a glimpse of King Charles and Queen Camilla,
who led the family to the traditional service on the Norfolk estate. They were joined by Prince William, Princess Kate, and their three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
From the moment they emerged from church, it was clear who had captured the public’s hearts. Charlotte, 10, was hailed as a “mini Queen” as she warmly greeted fans, clutching flowers and gifts and even bending down to hug a wheelchair-bound well-wisher wrapped in blankets against the cold. George and Louis followed suit, shaking hands and accepting soft toys — with seven-year-old Louis proudly holding a large teddy bear gifted by a fan.
The moment felt particularly poignant given the wider family context. Prince Andrew was absent once again, having been stripped of his royal titles earlier this year and remaining distanced from official engagements amid ongoing controversy, which he has repeatedly denied. His daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, nevertheless made a surprise appearance, smiling bravely as they joined the service without their father.
Kate, who recently revealed she is in remission from cancer, radiated confidence in a dark brown tartan coat she has worn on previous Christmas Days, while Camilla opted for a striking festive red ensemble complete with matching hat. Charles, meanwhile, paused to stroke a dog belonging to one of the spectators as he chatted warmly with members of the crowd.
Not all senior royals were present. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were absent, continuing their break from UK royal Christmas gatherings, though Meghan shared a message saying she planned to spend the day “cuddled up with my family… maybe pyjamas all day”.
As the family waved goodbye and made their way back to Sandringham House, it was clear that — absent relatives and ongoing tensions aside — this Christmas belonged to the children. In a year marked by illness, controversy and change, George, Charlotte and Louis offered the royal family a moment of pure warmth that left the Sandringham crowd smiling long after the gates closed.
