Royal family gathers at Sandringham on Christmas Day, without disgraced Andrew


King Charles and Queen Camilla waved to crowds outside St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate as they led the royal family to their annual Christmas morning church service.

Charles and Camilla led the family on the short walk from Sandringham House to the church for the service, which began at 11am.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was absent for a second year, having been stripped of his titles this year in a dramatic fall from grace.

His ex-wife Sarah Ferguson was also absent from the Sandringham party, but his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, were present.

King Charles and Queen Camilla lead members of the Royal Family as they arrive for their traditional Christmas Day service. (AFP via Getty Images)
The service takes place at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate.

The service takes place at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate. (Pennsylvania)

Hundreds of people braved the elements on the cold but sunny Christmas Day morning in Norfolk to watch the Royal Family being welcomed on the church steps by the Reverend Canon Dr Paul Williams.

Both Camilla and the Princess Royal opted for bright red coats for their Christmas Day outing, with Camilla opting for black gloves with fur trim.

King Charles wore a camel-colored coat and waved to the public lining the sidewalk.

Well-wishers wait for members of the British Royal Family to arrive to attend the traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church.

Well-wishers wait for members of the British Royal Family to arrive to attend the traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church. (AFP via Getty Images)
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi attending the Christmas Day morning church service

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi attending the Christmas Day morning church service (Pennsylvania)

The family did not stop to speak to those gathered, as this happens after the religious service is over.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were at the end of the party walking down the path, leading their children, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis.

Kate and Charlotte delighted viewers last night with a video of them performing a piano duet for a carol service.

A performance of a piece of music by Scottish composer Erland Cooper was pre-recorded at Windsor Castle for ITV1's Together at Christmas broadcast.

Accompanying the young family at Sandringham were Princess Anne and her husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Anne's daughter Zara Tindall and her husband, former England rugby player Mike Tindall.

Catherine, Princess of Wales (C), holds hands with Prince Louis (I) and Princess Charlotte

Catherine, Princess of Wales (C), holds hands with Prince Louis (I) and Princess Charlotte (AFP via Getty Images)

Andrew, who last attended the Christmas Day service in 2023, is expected to move to Norfolk in the new year.

The former prince will move from Royal Lodge in Windsor to an undisclosed property on the Sandringham estate, which is privately owned by his brother Charles.

St Mary Magdalene, in its current form, dates back to the 16th century and is used by the Royal Family when they reside at Sandringham. The church has also been used as a celebration venue, such as the christening of Princess Charlotte.

King Edward VII started the tradition of spending Christmas at Sandringham Estate.

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