Each year, royal fans the world over are on standby come Christmas day, eagerly awaiting the moment we get to witness our favourite family arrive for their Christmas Day service at the St Mary Magdalene church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The walk towards the church has become a tradition over the years, allowing fans to greet the Windsor’s and catch a glimpse of the fabulous outfits they’ll be sporting on the day. This year was no exception – we’d even go as far to say better, perhaps than other years, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte making their royal Christmas walk debut!
Watch below: Princess Charlotte hugs women in wheelchair during the Christmas Day walk
As always, the young princess completely stole the show in the most adorable way. Holding hands with her mother, Kate, Princess Charlotte followed her lead, giving a near-perfect curtsy to her great-grandmother, the Queen upon her arrival. The Duchess of Cambridge co-ordinated her green accessories with Charlotte’s gorgeous Amaia coat, while wearing a custom Catherine Walker coat paired with matching heels and clutch from Emmy London.
Princess Charlotte, Princess Anne and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton
As is tradition, the family’s youngest royals usually stay home until they are deemed old enough to partake in the proceedings – which George, six, and Charlotte, four, apparently are. Their father, Prince William was five when he made his debut, and Prince Harry, four, like his niece Charlotte.
Also joining the Queen on the day were Princess Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank, and Princess Beatrice and fiance Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi - marking only the second time that an unmarried partner has been invited to stay with the Queen (the first being Meghan Markle in 2017). Prince Phillip, however, was unable attend the service this year, only being released from hospital on Christmas Eve; and of course, we now know that Harry, Meghan and baby Archie spent their Christmas in Canada, with the Duchess of Sussex’s mother, Doria.
Queen Elizabeth II
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank
Noticeably absent from this year’s celebrations was Prince Andrew, who discreetly attended a 9am service with the Queen and his brothers Prince Charles and Prince Edward, instead of the traditional 11am. The Prince took a step down from royal duties earlier this year, following his involvement in the infamous Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
