The King was joined by his nearest and dearest – as well as a surprise guest – as he led the royal family’s traditional Christmas morning outing to church at Sandringham.
Hundreds of royal fans gathered along the route as His Majesty, accompanied by the Queen, made the short walk from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene church for the festive service. They were followed by family members including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis, who held hands with his cousin Mia Tindall, nine.
FAMILIAR FACE
Meanwhile, the surprise appearance at the annual gathering came in the form of Sarah, Duchess of York, who joined the royal festive congregation for the first time in more than 30 years.
“We are enjoying each other’s company and feeling grateful today,” s she later wrote on social media.
Crowds who had waited all morning for a glimpse of the royal family greeted them with cries of “merry Christmas”. The King, in a mustard overcoat, shook hands with well-wishers, while Prince William and Kate, accompanied by their children, also stopped to chat – much to people’s delight.
ROYAL BLUE
“It’s very sweet of you to come and say hello to us. Happy Christmas,” said Kate, who was wearing a vibrant blue bespoke Alexander McQueen coat, accessorised with a Juliette Millinery hat featuring a bow and arrows, navy suede boots from Gianvito Rossi and a pair of diamond and sapphire earrings that previously belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales.
Kneeling to speak to a small child, she asked: “Did Father Christmas come?” Meanwhile, William asked the crowd: “Are you warm enough?” and wished them a merry Christmas.
A smiling Charlotte, in an olive coat and with her long hair tied back in two braids, tooks on the role of h
