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King Charles and Queen Camilla lead royals to church on Christmas Day - best photos

 The Prince and Princess of Wales stepped out with their children

: King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk
Kate Thomas
Lifestyle Managing Editor
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The King and Queen led a procession of royals as they stepped out for the annual Christmas Day church service in Sandringham.

Charles, 75, and his wife, Camilla, 76, were in high spirits as they greeted the crowds who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the royals. Joining them at St Mary Magdalene were the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children, Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.

WATCH: King Charles and Queen Camilla lead the royal arrivals at Christmas
King Charles III and Queen Camilla lead royals including Princess Kate at St. Mary Magdalene Church © Shutterstock

King Charles and Queen Camilla lead the way

The monarch and his wife were spotted arriving at St Mary Magdelene church in style, leading the senior royals into the service. Princess Kate was pictured in the background, wearing an electric blue coat.

the Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, the Prince of Wales, Prince Louis and Mia Tindall attending the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk.© Joe Giddens - PA Images

The Wales family arrive

Royal fans gathered as the Prince and Princess of Wales walked hand in hand with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis from Sandringham house on their way to St Mary Magdalene Church.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive at St. Mary Magdalene Church Christmas Day church service© Shutterstock

King Charles and Queen Camilla greet the crowds

The Wales family walked behind the King and Queen. Her Majesty looked elegant in a camel coat by Anna Valentine, layered over a blue silk paisley dress. She accessorised with a beret by Philip Treacy and wore the late Queen Elizabeth II's raspberry pip brooch.

he Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Zara Tindall, Lena Tindall and Mike Tindall attending the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. © Joe Giddens - PA Images

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrive

Prince Edward and his wife Duchess Sophie were among the senior royals who were greeted by about a thousand local residents, many of whom had waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the family.

Prince Louis of Wales and Mia Tindall attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Chur© Mark Cuthbert

Prince Louis and Mia Tindall steal the show

Prince Louis went hand-in-hand with his cousin Mia Tindall. The cherubic royal looked so sweet in a navy coat and tartan trousers, while Zara and Mike Tindall's daughter donned a burgundy jacket.

The Duke of York, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Beatrice, Arthur Chatto and Samuel Chatto attending the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. © Joe Giddens - PA Images

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi

Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi were dressed to impress as they arrived at the church for the festive service. The royal, who chooses to keep her two-year-old daughter Sienna out of the spotlight, wasn't joined by her stepson Wolfie this year.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York attends the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church© Mark Cuthbert

Sarah Ferguson makes rare appearance

Sarah, Duchess of York appeared in public at Sandringham for the first time in years, walking beside her ex-husband Prince Andrew.

Timothy Laurence and Princess Anne, Princess Royal attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church © Mark Cuthbert

Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence

Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence looked perfectly in sync wearing matching scarves crafted out of beige and grey wool. The Princess Royal was elegance personified in a white coat and floral-embellished hat.

Jack Brooksbank and Princess Eugenie attending the Christmas Day church service© Getty

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank coordinate

Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank put on a stylish display in coordinating black ensembles. Prince Andrew's daughter added a touch of bling to her festive attire with a white headband, while Jack - who missed the annual carol concert earlier this month - strode alongside his wife.

Catherine, Princess of Wales (L) with Prince George of Wales (R) and Princess Charlotte of Wales (C) attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk.© Mark Cuthbert

Princess Kate goes bold in blue

Princess Kate looked beautiful in royal blue as she accompanied her eldest children along the route to church. She opted for failsafe outfit choice of a smart belted coat with a nipped-in waist and a chic collar.  

Duchess Sophie wore animal print accessories on Christmas Day© Getty

Duchess Sophie opts for country chic attire

The Duchess of Edinburgh embraced the country chic vibe in a khaki tweed coat with bow detailing on the collar. A wide-brimmed suede hat completed her look alongside a snakeskin print clutch and a pair of patent brown leather stilettos.

 Lady Louise Windsor attends the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfol© Mark Cuthbert

Lady Louise Windsor makes rare appearance

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were accompanied by Lady Louise Windsor, 20. Lady Louise was reunited with her family after returning home from St Andrews university for the festive break.

Britain's Prince Andrew, Duke of York (L), Sarah, Duchess of York (2L) Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi (2R) and Britain's Princess Beatrice of York (R) arrive for the Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate in eastern England© ADRIAN DENNIS

Prince Andrew breaks cover

Also making a rare public appearance was the King's brother, the Duke of York, who stepped back from royal duties in 2019.

 Zara Tindall, Lena Tindall, Jack Brooksbank (hidden), Mike Tindall, Princess Eugenie, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence attending the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk© Joe Giddens - PA Images

Zara and Mike Tindall go hand-in-hand with daughter Lena

Zara and Mike Tindall were joined by their sweet daughter Lena. The five-year-old youngster went hand-in-hand with her parents, while older sister Mia marched on ahead with Prince Louis.

 Prince Louis of Wales attends the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfol© Samir Hussein

Prince Louis' tartan trousers

How adorable did little Louis look in his navy button-down coat and his tartan trousers? The young royal once again proved popular with the crowds.

Samuel Chatto, Lady Sarah Chatto, Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones, and the Earl of Snowdon attending the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk© Joe Giddens - PA Images

The Chattos arrive at St Mary Magdalene Church

Samuel Chatto, Lady Sarah Chatto, Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones, and the Earl of Snowdon were also seen attending the Christmas Day morning church service.

The royal family's outing comes the day before the screening of Charles III: The Coronation Year on BBC. 

The documentary chronicles some of the major moments from the first year of the King’s reign, and includes an interview with the Princess Royal who gives her recollections of those first 12 months and how the monarch and his wife have adapted to their new roles.

How do the royals spend Christmas?

The royals traditionally exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, with the presents laid out on trestle tables at Sandringham House. This is in honour of their German heritage.

King Charles in front of a Christmas tree
King Charles will address the nation in his second annual speech this afternoon

In the evening, they sit down for a formal dinner. Following the church service at St Mary Magdalene, the King and Queen will be joined by their family members for a traditional Turkey lunch with all the trimmings.

The royals will then settle down to watch the King's speech at 3pm, which is pre-recorded.

LISTEN: The secrets of Sandringham Estate

On Boxing Day on 26 December, the royals typically enjoy a range of outdoor pursuits, including shooting, horse riding and long walks around the Sandringham estate.

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