While Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan opted out of spending Christmas with the royals, there were two notable stars at this year’s Christmas outing.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte were full of festive cheer as they, their parents Prince William and Duchess Catherine and the rest of the royal family walked to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene for the traditional morning Christmas service.
The two eldest Cambridge children have made their Christmas debut! (Image: Getty)
Traditionally, the younger children don’t tend to attend the church service until they are a little older, much like Savannah and Isla Phillips who were seven and six respectively when they attended last year.
As The Sun previously reported, the six- and four-year-old royals were planned to join the rest of the royals “as long as they’re both on good form on the day.
“It’s the picture all royal fans want to see,” a royal source told the publication last week.
“They royals walking to church on Christmas Day is a rite of passage and so William and Kate didn’t want to expose their children too early, but they feel they’re old enough now.”
Prince George and Princess Charlotte joined the rest of the royal family for the iconic Christmas Day walk. (Image: Getty)
And indeed it seems all things went to plan as Prince George and Princess Charlotte were the picture of cuteness dressed in their smart winter coats walking hand-in-hand with their parents to the Christmas Day service.
Prince Louis, one, is still too young to attend though and was likely back at the Queen’s Sandringham estate.
Grandpa Wales (Prince Charles) was also spotted with the family. (Image: Getty)
As always, the Duchess of Cambridge nailed it in the fashion stakes as she made her way to the service.
Dressed in a grey belted coat with fur neckline, Duchess Catherine was the epitome of winter chic, accessorising with a stunning green hat and matching pumps, while Prince William wrapped up from the cold in a traditional suit and tie with a black coat.
Duchess Catherine was the epitome of winter chic. (Image: Getty)
Of course Her Majesty the Queen was there in yet another classic ensemble, this year opting for a festive red coat and hat.
Her Majesty was not joined by the Duke of Edinburgh, who has retired from royal duties and left hospital the day before.
The Queen looked particularly festive in bright red. (Image: Getty)
Meanwhile her second son, Prince Andrew, chose to avoid the press and was spotted walking to the 9am service with Prince Charles ahead of the 11am service.
Prince Andrew infamously stepped down from royal duties after his controversial interview aired where he talked about his involvement with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Prince Charles walked with Prince Andrew to the earlier 9am service. (Image: Getty)
Other members present at the traditional service included the Queen’s youngest son, Prince Edward with his wife Countess Sophie of Wessex and their children Lady Louise and James Viscount Severn.
Dressed in a fashionable cream coat and red headband, Countess Sophie cemented her status as an underrated fashion icon.
The Wessex family looked very colour-coordinated on their way to church. (Image: Getty)
Like last year, Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank were also in attendance as was Princess Beatrice and her fiance Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, whom she will marry next year.
Of course two notable royals missing from the party were the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who confirmed their absence via a statement in November.
“Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’ mother Doria Ragland,” it read.
The Palace added that this isn’t the first time members of the royal family have skipped a Sandringham Christmas, and that the decision also “has the support of Her Majesty The Queen.”
Princess Anne and Duchess Camilla coordinated in purple for this year’s service. (Image: Getty)
Things have certainly changed a lot since last Christmas with the royals.
The ‘Fab Four’ walked in solidarity to the church with Prince Charles and were spotted smiling and chatting with well-wishers in the crowd.
All eyes were on Duchess Meghan, who at the time was five months pregnant with little Archie, as she made her official Christmas debut as a fully-fledged royal.
We hope to see her and Harry next year!
