King Charles and Queen Camilla Walk to Church with Senior Royals While Crowds Gather Outside Sandringham on Christmas Morning

Christmas Day at Sandringham unfolded just as royal fans had hoped. Under a clear winter sky and sharp cold air, the Prince and Princess of Wales stepped out alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla, leading the traditional walk to church as crowds pressed close, phones raised and hands waving. It was crisp, bright, and full of the kind of festive anticipation that has become part of the annual ritual in this quiet corner of Norfolk.

William and Kate Arrive With the Children in Tow

Prince William and Catherine were joined by their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, who once again proved to be the main attraction for many in the crowd. The sight of the young royals walking behind their parents sparked smiles and excited murmurs from well-wishers who had waited hours just for that moment.

King Charles and Queen Camilla Set the Festive Tone

King Charles walked confidently beside Queen Camilla, who stood out in a bright red coat and elegant hat that felt perfectly pitched for Christmas morning. The couple greeted onlookers warmly as they made their way toward St Mary Magdalene Church, clearly enjoying the sunshine despite the biting chill in the air.

Church First Then a Family Lunch Awaits

The royal family were heading into an hour-long Christmas Day service before returning to Sandringham House for a private lunch hosted by the King. The service remains a central part of the day, offering a moment of calm reflection before the more relaxed family gathering that follows behind palace doors.

Familiar Faces and a Few Welcome Surprises

Royal watchers were pleased to spot Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie among those arriving, despite their parents not being present. Their appearance added to the sense of a full and lively family gathering, even as some absences were quietly noted.

Who Was Not There and Why It Matters

Missing for the second year running were the King’s younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his former wife Sarah Ferguson. Both have been excluded from the celebrations following continued fallout from their links to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The pair are expected to spend what may be their final Christmas at Royal Lodge, which they are due to vacate sometime next year.

A Crowd Drawn by Tradition and the Children

For many fans, the chance to see the younger royals remains the biggest draw. Each year, people line the route near the church hoping for a glimpse, a wave, or even a brief smile. This year was no different, with spectators packed tightly near the gates despite the cold.

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The Loyal Regular Who Slept Outside Overnight

At the front of the queue stood 70-year-old John Loughrey from Wandsworth, who claimed his spot outside Sandringham’s War Memorial gates at 9pm the night before. Armed with a folding chair, heat pads, and hand warmers, he spent the night waiting patiently.

“There’s something special about sharing Christmas Day with the royals here,” he said, clutching a portrait he had painted of himself, hoping to pass it on to Prince William. He explained he had met the Prince several times before and had even mentioned the gift during a recent encounter at a homelessness charity event.

American Visitors Make It a Holiday Highlight

A few places back in the queue stood Margie and Jeff Brooks from Fort Worth, Texas, joined by their daughter Elizabeth and her husband Caleb. For them, Sandringham was the highlight of a week-long UK holiday.

“It’s freezing compared to home,” Elizabeth laughed, wrapped in layers and a bobble hat. “But I wouldn’t miss this.” Her father recalled being in Britain for Charles and Diana’s wedding in 1981, making this Christmas visit feel like a full-circle moment.

Fans From Across the World Share the Moment

The crowd reflected the global pull of the royal family. Visitors from Israel and Canada chatted quietly as they waited, swapping stories of travel plans and royal memories. Among them were Noele and David Fowler from Toronto, who had brought their daughter Jackie as a Christmas gift.

Jackie, a lifelong royal history enthusiast, described the experience as unforgettable, saying her fascination with the monarchy began with the Tudors and had grown ever since.

A Relaxed Rule Brings New Faces Into the Fold

One notable change this year was the relaxed approach to guests. Peter Phillips attended with his daughters Savannah and Isla, and following his engagement earlier this year, it is widely expected that his fiancée Harriet Sperling was invited too. She has already been welcomed into royal circles at events like Royal Ascot, suggesting her inclusion felt natural rather than controversial.

Another Christmas Tradition Carries On

As the royals disappeared into the church, the crowds slowly began to thin, satisfied they had witnessed another Sandringham Christmas. For those who waited in the cold, the brief walk was more than enough — a small but meaningful glimpse into a tradition that continues to connect the monarchy with people from all over the world.

What’s Next?

With church complete and lunch ahead, attention now turns to how the family will spend the rest of Christmas Day behind closed doors, while royal fans begin counting down to next year’s Sandringham gathering once again.