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Princess Charlotte and Prince George meet Sandringham crowds - Daily Mail

Show-stealer Princess Charlotte, 4, had a ‘very early start’ on Christmas Day, reveals Duchess of Cambridge, as family who hugged the young royal at her first Sandringham– including wheelchair-bound twins – say it made their year

  • Prince George, six, and Princess Charlotte, four, attended Christmas Day church service for the first time
  • Brother and sister joined the Queen at her Sandringham estate for the first time before greeting well-wishers
  • Four-year-old Charlotte stole the show in an emerald swing coat which matched her mother's accessories 
  • Do YOU know Gemma Clark or the Richman twins? Email rod.ardehali@mailonline.co.uk 
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Princess Charlotte's Christmas Day got off to 'very early start', her mother the Duchess of Cambridge told eager well-wishers who had queued since dawn to greet the royal family at the traditional Sandringham church service.

The excitable four-year-old princess was this year considered old enough to attend the annual service, alongside her big brother George, six, and stole the show by cheerily waving and greeting the royal fans - before melting hearts as she stopped to hug wheelchair bound Gemma Clark, who had waited all morning to say hello.

Ms Clark, 39, who travelled from Long Sutton in Lincolnshire with her family, gave Charlotte an inflatable flamingo and said she seemed pleased with the gift.

She said George and Charlotte were 'brilliant' and that they both hugged her. 'It made my day,' she added. 'I've never seen the royal family, ever. This is my first time at Sandringham and I would love to do it again.'

Taking to her royal duties with aplomb, Princess Charlotte also greeted twins Thomas and Theresa Richman, nine, who were delighted when they presented the Cambridges with flowers.

The siblings, who suffer from Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, were able to secure a place in front of the main crowds in their wheelchairs and spoke to both George and Charlotte. 

Their overjoyed mother told The Daily Telegraph: 'It was absolutely stunning - I survived breast cancer six years ago so to still be here and see that today with the children was absolutely tremendous.

'I think this has made our Christmas and made our year, it was a real honour to meet them all.'

Princess Charlotte hugged a woman in a wheelchair who had waited for hours to meet them 

As they were given flowers, Charlotte chatted to fans, encourage by her mother the Duchess of Cambridge

As they were given flowers, Charlotte chatted to fans, encourage by her mother the Duchess of Cambridge 

The Duchess of Cambridge teamed her pine green hat with matching court heels, which perfectly contrasted her grey woollen and fur-trimmed military-style coat

It was a festive event Wednesday as the queen was joined for the first time by Prince George, 6, and Princess Charlotte, 4, the two eldest children of Prince William and his wife, Kate. They left 1-year-old Prince Louis at home

It was a festive event Wednesday as the queen was joined for the first time by Prince George, 6, and Princess Charlotte, 4, the two eldest children of Prince William and his wife, Kate. They left 1-year-old Prince Louis at home

Princess Cheeky: The four-year-old stuck her tongue out to people as she did a walk-through the crowds

Princess Cheeky: The four-year-old stuck her tongue out to people as she did a walk-through the crowds 

Karen Anvil, who famously took a picture of the 'Fab Four' - the Cambridges and Sussexes two years ago - gifted Charlotte a doll this morning.
Karen Anvil, who famously took a picture of the 'Fab Four' - the Cambridges and Sussexes two years ago - gifted Charlotte a doll this morning.

Karen Anvil, who famously took a picture of the 'Fab Four' - the Cambridges and Sussexes two years ago - gifted Charlotte a doll this morning

The four-year-old tried to clutch her mother's hand as they left the church of St Mary Magdalene

The four-year-old tried to clutch her mother's hand as they left the church of St Mary Magdalene

The Duchess of Cambridge and her four-year-old daughter strolled through the Norfolk estate with bunches of flowers

The Duchess of Cambridge and her four-year-old daughter strolled through the Norfolk estate with bunches of flowers 

Elevate your outerwear with a coat like Kate's

The Royal Family’s outing to St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham is an annual highlight for avid fans.

And 2019 was especially important as we saw Prince George and Princess Charlotte making their debut, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Yet again, Kate earned plenty of style points in a coat by Catherine Walker, which was made especially for the occasion. Based on the brand's 'Larissa' style, it was crafted from mohair with a sumptuous faux fur trim that created a decidedly Russian feel.

She also wore her MICHAEL Michael Kors ‘Peacock’ dress, Emmy London heels and a hat by Sylvia Fletcher for Lock & Co.

Unfortunately, Kate’s coat isn’t available to buy online, but you can take a closer look at the original design by clicking (right). Or treat yourself to something similar from our edit below.

* PRICES MAY NOT BE AS ADVERTISED
The youngster put on an animated display as she left the church, beside her mother Catherine

The youngster put on an animated display as she left the church, beside her mother Catherine 

Mini me: The little princess and her mother were a picture of elegance at Sandringham today

Mini me: The little princess and her mother were a picture of elegance at Sandringham today 

George and his little sister Charlotte walked the short distance from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church hand in hand with their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Charlotte looked adorable in her emerald swing coat which perfectly matched her mother's accessories. 

The Prince of Wales walked alongside them as he greeted fans who had been waiting outside for hours in the biting cold.

One-year-old Prince Louis stayed at the house.

Fans praised Charlotte's 'impeccable' manners and 'cheeky' persona as they gifted her presents including a teddy and a pink flamingo toy.  

Karen Anvil, who famously took a picture of the 'Fab Four' - the Cambridges and Sussexes two years ago - gifted Charlotte a doll this morning. Ms Anvil then captured a photo of the four-year-old.

When Prince Harry announced his engagement to Meghan Markle, courtiers had high hopes they would form a 'Fab Four' with William and Kate.

The two couples duly appeared on stage together to promote their Royal Foundation, with officials briefing it would be the first of many such events. But the four split their charity earlier this year and have not been seen together as a foursome in public since.   

Ms Anvil told Sky News: 'Charlotte came over with her mum, she liked the doll. Her manners are outstanding - but she's cheeky, she wasn't at all scared.'

She said Prince George's manners were also 'perfect'. 

Back at the house, the family traditionally indulge in turkey, reared at Sandringham, before settling down to watch TV, including the Queen's Christmas Speech.

The royals' appearance comes at the culmination of a tumultuous year for the family, in which Prince Andrew was forced to step down from public duties, Prince Philip faced a police probe over a car crash, Prince Harry acknowledged tensions in his relationship with his elder brother William, and Harry's wife Meghan admitted she was struggling with her new life as a royal. 

Gemma Clark from Lincolnshire waves to Princess Charlotte after the Christmas Day

Gemma Clark from Lincolnshire waves to Princess Charlotte after the Christmas Day

Princess Stern: Charlotte pulled faces
Charlotte pulled faces and skipped around outside the church

Princess Stern: Charlotte pulled faces and skipped around outside the church 

The Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte and Prince George leave the St Mary Magdalene's church

The Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte and Prince George leave the St Mary Magdalene's church

The Duchess of Cambridge wore a coat for her Christmas Day church visit at Sandringham by British couturier Catherine Walker & Co
The princess looked adorable as she wore braids in her hair, complimenting her swing coat

The Duchess of Cambridge wore a coat for her Christmas Day church visit at Sandringham by British couturier Catherine Walker & Co

The four-year-old had her perfect braids tied with a ribbon and bow

The four-year-old had her perfect braids tied with a ribbon and bow

It appeared the four-year-old may have been getting a telling-off from her mother as they left church

It appeared the four-year-old may have been getting a telling-off from her mother as they left church 

Charlotte, four, smiled to crowds outside the church - unlike her big brother Prince George, six

Charlotte, four, smiled to crowds outside the church - unlike her big brother Prince George, six

The Duchess of Cambridge laughed and joked with fans as her daughter was given presents

The Duchess of Cambridge laughed and joked with fans as her daughter was given presents 

Charlotte looked adorable in her emerald swing coat which perfectly matched her mother's accessories

Charlotte looked adorable in her emerald swing coat which perfectly matched her mother's accessories

Charlotte and her mother spoke with fans in the crowd, accepting presents along the way

Charlotte and her mother spoke with fans in the crowd, accepting presents along the way 

The four-year-old happily spoke to a young boy in a wheelchair who had waited to meet her

The four-year-old happily spoke to a young boy in a wheelchair who had waited to meet her 

As hundreds of people took her photo, the four-year-old got distracted by the goings-on at Sandringham
Charlotte and her mother Kate accepted a bunch of flowers from one well-wisher

As hundreds of people took her photo, the four-year-old got distracted by the goings-on at Sandringham 

At one point it appeared there was some tension within the family, with the children seemingly being scolded

At one point it appeared there was some tension within the family, with the children seemingly being scolded 

Prince George and Princess Charlotte had joined the Queen at the royal family's traditional Christmas Day church service on her Sandringham estate for the first time

Prince George and Princess Charlotte had joined the Queen at the royal family's traditional Christmas Day church service on her Sandringham estate for the first time

The Cambridges, joined by Princess Anne and her husband, chatted with the priest outside the church

The Cambridges, joined by Princess Anne and her husband, chatted with the priest outside the church 

It was a tiring morning for the four-year-old princess, who had to attend a service then meet fans

It was a tiring morning for the four-year-old princess, who had to attend a service then meet fans 

Charlotte held her mother's hand tightly before they made their way into the crowds

Charlotte held her mother's hand tightly before they made their way into the crowds 

Charlotte stood in the middle of her mother and father as they walked out with the rest of the family

Charlotte stood in the middle of her mother and father as they walked out with the rest of the family 

People jostled for a chance to get a picture of the royal family on the lawns this afternoon

People jostled for a chance to get a picture of the royal family on the lawns this afternoon 

Charlotte smiled to people outside the church - unlike her big brother, who looked less impressed

Charlotte smiled to people outside the church - unlike her big brother, who looked less impressed 

The family were a picture of elegance in their dapper outfits, which were perfectly in sync

The family were a picture of elegance in their dapper outfits, which were perfectly in sync 

The Duchess of Cambridge teamed her pine green hat with matching court heels, which perfectly contrasted her grey woollen and fur-trimmed military-style coat

Today is the first time the younger royals have attended, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte going into church alongside their parents, William and Kate. At six and four they are now old enough to sit through the service

Today is the first time the younger royals have attended, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte going into church alongside their parents, William and Kate. At six and four they are now old enough to sit through the service

Little Charlotte smiled as she held her parents' hands. while her grandfather Charles happily greeted crowds

Little Charlotte smiled as she held her parents' hands. while her grandfather Charles happily greeted crowds 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge followed Princess Beatrice into the service this morning

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge followed Princess Beatrice into the service this morning 

The Duchess of Cambridge teamed her pine green hat with matching court heels, which perfectly contrasted her grey woollen and fur-trimmed military-style coat

Addressing the atmosphere at Sandringham, marred by Prince Andrew's absence in the wake of his car-crash Newsnight interview, she said: 'This morning there was a different feel - there were lots of questions about Andrew and so many theories about whether he'd be here or not.

'I've been here for three years, and this year it is definitely different. But it is packed here.'

The 93-year-old Queen, wearing a red coat and hat, arrived at the church in a maroon Bentley with the Duchess of Cornwall.

The Duke of Edinburgh, 98, who was discharged from hospital on Christmas Eve, was at Sandringham but did not attend church.

He had spent four nights at the King Edward VII Hospital in London to receive treatment for a 'pre-existing condition'.

Philip, who retired from public duties in 2017, did not attend last year's church service either despite being in good health at the time.

The Duke of York, who has had a tumultuous end to the year after his disastrous appearance on the BBC's Newsnight programme, walked side by side with Charles to a service at 9am but did not attend the 11am service.

The 93-year-old Queen appeared in good spirits as she left the church, wearing her vivid red ensemble

The 93-year-old Queen appeared in good spirits as she left the church, wearing her vivid red ensemble 

The Duchess of Cornwall teamed knee-high suede boots with a plush velvet coat and matching hat

The Duchess of Cornwall teamed knee-high suede boots with a plush velvet coat and matching hat 

Princess Eugenie of York followed the Cambridges, wearing a simple black coat and navy feather headband

Princess Eugenie of York followed the Cambridges, wearing a simple black coat and navy feather headband 

Family unit: Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte

Family unit: Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte

The Prince of Wales looked delighted as he spoke to fans who gathered outside the church

The Prince of Wales looked delighted as he spoke to fans who gathered outside the church 

Four-year-old Princess Charlotte - who matched her mother's outfit - followed her great-grandmother out of the church

Four-year-old Princess Charlotte - who matched her mother's outfit - followed her great-grandmother out of the church 

The Duchess of Cambridge's accessories perfectly matched her daughter Charlotte's coat

The Duchess of Cambridge's accessories perfectly matched her daughter Charlotte's coat 

Andrew's attempt to explain his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein backfired and he was heavily criticised for showing a lack of empathy towards Epstein's victims and remorse over his friendship with the disgraced financier.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were also absent this year, instead opting to spend seven-month-old Archie's first Christmas with the Duchess's mother, Doria Ragland, in Canada.

Others attending the main morning service included Princess Beatrice and her fiance, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. 

Prince William is pictured kissing Prince Louis in adorable new photograph of the family taken by the Duchess of Cambridge 

 

The Duchess of Cambridge has taken an adorable new family photograph of Prince William kissing Prince Louis on the cheek.

The black and white photo shows the Duke of Cambridge with their youngest child, while Princess Charlotte and Prince George look towards the camera.

The duke wears a flat cap as he holds on closely to his son in the photo, which was taken by the duchess, a keen photographer, earlier this year in Norfolk.

Princess Charlotte also appears to be holding on to her younger brother as she stands behind him, while Prince George sits next to them in a chair as he cheekily smirks at the camera.

 

This is not the first time Kate, one of the world's most photographed people, has gone behind the lens and released her own pictures.

The duchess was named as the new patron of the Royal Photographic Society earlier this year following her flourishing passion in photography.

Bond of brothers: Prince Charles walks side-by-side with Prince Andrew as Epstein scandal continues to hang over him and they join the Queen and other royals for Sandringham Christmas service 

Prince Andrew walked in solidarity with his older brother Charles today as they made their way to their annual Christmas Day service at Sandringham.

The beleaguered Duke of York cut a solemn figure as he walked alongside Prince Charles into St Mary Magdalene Church on what was his first public outing since his controversial Newsnight interview. 

But Andrew then failed to attend the following service at 11am, as the rest of the royals cheerily greeted well-wishers. 

In recent months the Duke of York has stepped back from royal duties and been dropped by a number of charities amid the furore that followed his BBC interview and friendship with the paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.  

Also absent today was the Duke of Edinburgh, who was discharged from hospital in London yesterday, leaving the Queen to go to church alone.   

Today is the first time the younger royals have attended, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte going into church alongside their parents, William and Kate. At six and four they are now old enough to sit through the service.

Andrew's daughter Princess Beatrice was also joined by fiance Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi for the first time at the church.

The Prince of Wales and the Duke of York arriving to attend the church service

The Prince of Wales and the Duke of York arriving to attend the church service

As Royals entertain the crowds - a Range Rover believed to be carrying Prince Andrew leaves from a different exit

As Royals entertain the crowds - a Range Rover believed to be carrying Prince Andrew leaves from a different exit

The Duke of York appeared to be taken away in a Range Rover while the rest of the family attended an 11am service

The Duke of York appeared to be taken away in a Range Rover while the rest of the family attended an 11am service 

Wearing a fur coat and silk head scarf, Her Majesty arrived at her Norfolk estate this morning

Wearing a fur coat and silk head scarf, Her Majesty arrived at her Norfolk estate this morning

The Earl of Wessex and his daughter Lady Louise Windsor strolled into St Mary Magdalene Church together

The Earl of Wessex and his daughter Lady Louise Windsor strolled into St Mary Magdalene Church together

The new Fab Four: Karen Anvil, 40, who last year took the perfect shot of Kate, William, Meghan and Harry scored again today as she captured this image of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their two eldest children

The new Fab Four: Karen Anvil, 40, who last year took the perfect shot of Kate, William, Meghan and Harry scored again today as she captured this image of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their two eldest children 

Today is the first time the younger royals have attended, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte going into church alongside their parents, William and Kate. At six and four they are now old enough to sit through the service

Today is the first time the younger royals have attended, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte going into church alongside their parents, William and Kate. At six and four they are now old enough to sit through the service

The Queen, 93, donned a fetching red hat and matching coat for the annual service at Sandringham

The Queen, 93, donned a fetching red hat and matching coat for the annual service at Sandringham 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived with their children George and Charlotte

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived with their children George and Charlotte 

Family unit: Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte

Family unit: Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte

Andrew and Fergie's Christmas card makes thinly-veiled reference to Epstein scandal

 

If there is one person who might want to see the back of 2019, it is the Duke of York.

And it looks like he and ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, have made some not-so-thinly veiled references to it in their Christmas cards to family and friends.

Their festive tidings feature one image of one of their beloved Norfolk terriers nose-deep in a bush showing its rear end to the camera, with the caption: 'Say Goodbye to 2019.'

Another photo shows what is believed to be the Queen's Balmoral estate and a path through the Highlands, with the message: 'We Look to the Road Ahead.'

Inside the white embossed card – also from daughters Beatrice, 31, and Eugenie, 29 – there is the printed message: 'We are united with gratitude for your support and kindness, Thank you.'

The implication could not be any clearer – we are a family and we stand together, no matter what.

The message of unity follows Andrew's disastrous interview with the BBC last month in which he tried to clear his name over the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal.

Hundreds of well-wishers have been queuing since the early hours to catch a glimpse of members of the royal family, and waved excitedly as the Queen left with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and was driven to the royal family's traditional 11am service. 

Last year, the Duke of York arrived for the service with his mother. 

Andrew stepped back from public life following November's 'car crash' BBC interview in which he attempted to explain his friendship with Epstein.

He repeatedly denied claims that he had sex with one of the disgraced financier's victims, Virginia Roberts, when she was just 17. Miss Roberts then accused him of lying.

The Queen's second son also faced calls to speak to the FBI about his relationship with Epstein, who was found dead in his prison cell in August awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.

Andrew was effectively sacked by his mother after his older brother Charles warned her that the scandal threatened to engulf the monarchy.  

As the Queen is head of the Church of England, it is a key part of royal celebrations.

Following the service, the Windsors enjoy a festive lunch back at Sandringham House and then settle down together to watch the Queen's Christmas Day speech.

In her broadcast to the nation and the Commonwealth, the Queen is to acknowledge the 'bumpy' path the royal family and the nation has experienced over the past 12 months.

But the biggest 'bump' faced by the Royal Family was the fallout from the Duke of York's disastrous Newsnight interview about his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew, 59, is expected to watch his mother's televised broadcast to the nation with the rest of the family at Sandringham tomorrow.

She will say: 'Small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome long-held differences and deep-seated divisions to bring harmony and understanding.

'The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference.'

The comments are believed to be her first public reference to the turmoil faced by her family this year.

She dubbed 1992 an 'annus horribilis' in a speech to mark the 40th anniversary of her accession.

In that year Charles separated from Princess Diana, Andrew split from his wife Sarah Ferguson, Princess Anne divorced Captain Mark Phillips, and a fire engulfed Windsor Castle. 

Princess Beatrice is wearing a forest green headband by London Based milliner Juliette Botterill

Princess Beatrice is wearing a forest green headband by London Based milliner Juliette Botterill

Princess Beatrice was given permission by the Queen to bring her fiance to Sandringham this year ¿ and they even accompanied her to church on Christmas Day

Princess Beatrice was given permission by the Queen to bring her fiance to Sandringham this year – and they even accompanied her to church on Christmas Day

The Prince of Wales looked delighted as he spoke to fans who gathered outside the church

The Prince of Wales looked delighted as he spoke to fans who gathered outside the church 

Four-year-old Princess Charlotte - who matched her mother's outfit - followed her great-grandmother out of the church

Four-year-old Princess Charlotte - who matched her mother's outfit - followed her great-grandmother out of the church 

Royal line up: Members of the family beamed as they strolled into the 11am service today

Royal line up: Members of the family beamed as they strolled into the 11am service today 

Prince Edward and Sophie were typically dapper as they walked through Sandringham together

Prince Edward and Sophie were typically dapper as they walked through Sandringham together 

The Duchess of Cambridge's accessories perfectly matched her daughter Charlotte's coat

The Duchess of Cambridge's accessories perfectly matched her daughter Charlotte's coat 

Kate wore yellow gold green amethyst Candy earrings by Kiki McDonough - worth more than £3,100 - to church

Princess Eugenie of York followed the Cambridges, wearing a simple black coat and navy feather headband

Princess Eugenie of York followed the Cambridges, wearing a simple black coat and navy feather headband 

Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex who wore a maroon headband and matching clutch bah

Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex who wore a maroon headband and matching clutch bah 

Six-year-old Prince George, who is usually clad in shorts, cut a very smart figure in a suit and tie

Six-year-old Prince George, who is usually clad in shorts, cut a very smart figure in a suit and tie 

The Princess Royal and the Duchess of Cornwall chatted animatedly as they made their way up the steps behind the Queen

The Princess Royal and the Duchess of Cornwall chatted animatedly as they made their way up the steps behind the Queen 

Princess Anne put on a bold sartorial display with leather gloves and matching handbag, an embossed brooch and fish-patterned shawl

Princess Anne put on a bold sartorial display with leather gloves and matching handbag, an embossed brooch and fish-patterned shawl 

Prince George, six, didn't look terribly impressed as he made his way into the church

Prince George, six, didn't look terribly impressed as he made his way into the church 

It appeared the six-year-old was being scolded by his mother before they went into the church

It appeared the six-year-old was being scolded by his mother before they went into the church 

Little Charlotte smiled as she held her parents' hands. while her grandfather Charles happily greeted crowds

Little Charlotte smiled as she held her parents' hands. while her grandfather Charles happily greeted crowds 

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Anne were resplendent in royal blue and purple, respectively

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Anne were resplendent in royal blue and purple, respectively 

The Earl and Countess of Wessex with their children, Viscount Severn and Lady Louise Windsor

The Earl and Countess of Wessex with their children, Viscount Severn and Lady Louise Windsor

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge followed Princess Beatrice into the service this morning

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge followed Princess Beatrice into the service this morning 

Karen Anvil, 40, was one of hundreds who braved the cold to get a glimpse of the royal family as they walked to St Mary Magdalene Church, on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk on 25 December last year. She made some £40,000 from her snap of the 'Fab Four' - and captured this great shot today

Karen Anvil, 40, was one of hundreds who braved the cold to get a glimpse of the royal family as they walked to St Mary Magdalene Church, on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk on 25 December last year. She made some £40,000 from her snap of the 'Fab Four' - and captured this great shot today 

The Princess Royal wore a fetching purple fedora as she walked alongside her husband, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence

The Princess Royal wore a fetching purple fedora as she walked alongside her husband, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence

Today is the first time the younger royals have attended, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte going into church alongside their parents, William and Kate. At six and four they are now old enough to sit through the service

Today is the first time the younger royals have attended, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte going into church alongside their parents, William and Kate. At six and four they are now old enough to sit through the service

The Earl and Countess of Wessex - matching their children in grey and beige coats - beamed at the crowds

The Earl and Countess of Wessex - matching their children in grey and beige coats - beamed at the crowds 

The Duchess of Cambridge wrapped up in a long grey woollen coat which she teamed with green court shoes

The Duchess of Cambridge wrapped up in a long grey woollen coat which she teamed with green court shoes  

Kate cheerfully smiled and waved to adoring fans who waited for hours in the biting cold to see her and her family

Kate cheerfully smiled and waved to adoring fans who waited for hours in the biting cold to see her and her family 

The Duchess of Cambridge teamed her pine green hat with matching court heels, which perfectly contrasted her grey woollen and fur-trimmed military-style coat

Little George clutched his father's hand as they walked through Sandringham and into the church together

Little George clutched his father's hand as they walked through Sandringham and into the church together 

Hundreds of people have been queuing overnight to catch a glimpse of the royals

Hundreds of people have been queuing overnight to catch a glimpse of the royals 

Prince Charles and Camilla tweeted this photograph today, with the message: 'Wishing all our followers a very happy Christmas from Clarence House'

Prince Charles and Camilla tweeted this photograph today, with the message: 'Wishing all our followers a very happy Christmas from Clarence House'

With of the 'bumpy' path the Royal Family and the nation has experienced in the past 12 months, it is likely to be more compelling viewing than ever.

With Her Majesty's acknowledgement of the 'bumpy' path the Royal Family and the nation has experienced in the past 12 months, it is likely to be more compelling viewing than ever (pictured: making this year's broadcast to the nation from Windsor Castle in Berkshire)

The royals dazzled in their colourful outfits outside the church this afternoon

The royals dazzled in their colourful outfits outside the church this afternoon 

Princess Beatrice's fiance is invited to Sandringham service

Princess Beatrice was given permission by the Queen to bring her fiance to Sandringham this year – and they even accompanied her to church on Christmas Day.

In a sign of solidarity with the beleaguered York family, the monarch extended a coveted invitation to her Norfolk estate to Beatrice's partner, 36-year-old property tycoon Edoardo 'Edo' Mapelli Mozzi.

The gesture is also a sign of how the 93-year-old royal is moving with the times. Not so long ago it would have been unthinkable for the sovereign, who is also head of the Church of England, to have unmarried couples staying under her roof.

But, in 2017, convention was relaxed to allow Prince Harry to bring his then-fiancee Meghan Markle to stay at the Queen's estate for the festive season.

It is understood the Queen, like many senior royals, has felt desperately sorry for Beatrice, 31, who announced her engagement in September after a short romance but has seen her happiness overshadowed by the ongoing fallout from her father's friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his disastrous interview on BBC2's Newsnight programme. 

Although the Duke of Edinburgh was discharged from hospital on Christmas Eve, he has not attended the church service on the Queen's private estate in Norfolk today.

The duke was admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital in central London on Friday and spent four nights undergoing treatment for an undisclosed ongoing health issue.

The 98-year-old, who received minor injuries after being involved in a car crash near the estate in January, missed the service at St Mary Magdalene Church last year to stay at home, despite being in good health at the time.

It is also unlikely that the Duke of York will arrive with the Queen, as he did in 2018, amid the fallout from a disastrous television interview about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew stepped down from public duties for the foreseeable future following his appearance on BBC Newsnight, when he was heavily criticised for showing little remorse over his friendship with convicted sex offender Epstein.

In the interview, the duke denied claims he slept with Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's victims, on three separate occasions.

In another departure from last year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not walk into the church side by side with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Harry and Meghan will be celebrating Archie Mountbatten-Windsor's first festive season with the duchess's mother, Doria Ragland, instead of joining the royal family's traditional celebration in Norfolk.

Their choice to spend Christmas away from Sandringham follows claims of a rift, first between Meghan and Kate, which appeared to have been been quashed as they arrived together at last year's service, and then between Harry and brother William.

In an ITV television documentary broadcast in October, Harry, when asked about the situation, said he loved his brother dearly but they were 'on different paths at the moment'. 

The Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Charlotte, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen

The Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Charlotte, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen  

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wish their Instagram fans Merry Christmas from Canada - as they shun service at Sandringham with the rest of the royals

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have wished their Instagram followers a happy Christmas from Canada amid clamour for them to return home and join the embattled Royals at Sandringham.

At 9am - which would have been the early hours across the Atlantic where the couple are still thought to be - they wrote: 'Wishing you all a very merry Christmas - their Royal Highness the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.'

The post, which was accompanied by emojis of a Christmas tree, Santa and a snowman, came as the Queen and other members of the Royal Family prepared to head to church in Sandringham.

Harry and Meghan have stonewalled calls for them to cut short their six-week trip and return home in the wake of Prince Philip's spell in hospital.

Prince Harry and Meghan have wished their scores of Instagram followers a happy Christmas

American actress Janina Gavankar was asked by her friend Meghan Markle to take the image for the card which shows her and husband Prince Harry with their seven-month-old son Archie in the foreground

American actress Janina Gavankar was asked by her friend Meghan Markle to take the image for the card which shows her and husband Prince Harry with their seven-month-old son Archie in the foreground

Last month, the Sussexes and eight-month-old Archie secretly flew to Canada for a holiday.

Since then, the Royals have endured a tough time as Prince Andrew continues to bunker down amid a swirling storm over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and Philip recovers from a four-night stint in the King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone, London.

Some in the Family have privately urged Harry and Meghan to jet back to show support, according to the Sun.

But the couple is seemingly staying put in North America and is ignoring calls for their return.

The couple have missed the Queen's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace and will miss the monarch's annual get together at her private Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

It comes after a family Christmas card of the royal couple smiling in front of a Christmas tree, with Archie's adorable face staring down the camera lens, was revealed.

The Duchess, a former actress, lived and worked in Toronto during her time starring in the popular US drama Suits, and the couple were famously pictured together when Meghan joined her then-boyfriend Harry at the 2017 Invictus Games in the Canadian city.

Buckingham Palace had previously announced the Sussexes intended to take a six-week break from duties and would not spend Christmas at Sandringham with the Royal Family.

It really WAS a 'bumpy year': Buckingham Palace releases photos of the Queen at every Christmas Day speech for last decade... with her majesty looking especially stern this year amid Prince Andrew crisis 

Buckingham Palace has released photos of the Queen at every Christmas Day speech for the last decade, showing Her Majesty looking particularly stern this year amid the Prince Andrew crisis.

It comes after a bumpy year for the Windsors as the Duke of York was forced to step down from royal duties following a disastrous Newsnight interview in which he said he did not regret his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Today Queen Elizabeth II will deliver her 2019 speech at 3pm as Andrew faces continued backlash due to accusations that he had sex with Virginia Roberts who was trafficked to London by Epstein. 

Prince Philip's health has also been a concern for the palace as the 98-year-old spent four nights in hospital in the run up to Christmas before heading to Sandringham by helicopter to spend it with his loved ones. 

Today the Royal Family's official account tweeted: 'Merry Christmas everyone! Today marks the 68th Queen's Christmas speech and the last of the decade. You can watch the broadcast at 3pm GMT on TV, radio and here online @RoyalFamily #ChristmasDay2019.'

As the picture of her looking especially stern sat next to a 2017 picture in which she beamed beside portraits of Prince George and Princess Charlotte, she is set to address the difficulties that have best the royals.  Addressing a turbulent 12 months, she will say 'small steps' can overcome difficulties and division. 

The Queen appears stern as she sits beside pictures of the Cambridges, Prince Phillip who has been in hospital, and Prince Charles who was central to ensuring that Prince Andrew step down from Royal duties during the furious backlash about his friendship with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Pictured closest to the Queen is her father, King George VI

The Queen appears stern as she sits beside pictures of the Cambridges, Prince Phillip who has been in hospital, and Prince Charles who was central to ensuring that Prince Andrew step down from Royal duties during the furious backlash about his friendship with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Pictured closest to the Queen is her father, King George VI

She appears in stark contrast to her appearance two years ago, when she put on a brave face while speaking on the importance of home in the wake of the Grenfell fire tragedy that year as well as the Manchester Arena bombing.

Following a year of tensions between the press and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Her Majesty will sit today beside a picture of Prince William and Kate Middleton. She will not appear beside a picture of Harry and Meghan, despite doing so last year. 

Pictured, left, the Queen during her 2010 Christmas speech. The monarch focused on how sport can build harmony after the summer's Commonwealth Games. Pictured, centre, the Queen during her 2011 Christmas speech, when she talked about her family being inspired by the British and Commonwealth people. This was a happy year for the Royal Family and saw the marriages of Prince William to Kate Middleton and Zara Phillips to Mike Tindall. Pictured, right, the Queen at her 2012 Christmas speech, when she used the Diamond Jubilee year to speak of her pride at the London Olympic Games

Pictured, left, the Queen during her 2010 Christmas speech. The monarch focused on how sport can build harmony after the summer's Commonwealth Games. Pictured, centre, the Queen during her 2011 Christmas speech, when she talked about her family being inspired by the British and Commonwealth people. This was a happy year for the Royal Family and saw the marriages of Prince William to Kate Middleton and Zara Phillips to Mike Tindall. Pictured, right, the Queen at her 2012 Christmas speech, when she used the Diamond Jubilee year to speak of her pride at the London Olympic Games

Pictured, left, the Queen in her 2013 Christmas message, when she looked back on the birth of her grandson Prince George. Pictured, centre, the Queen during her 2014 speech, in which she marked 100 years since the start of the First World War and touched on the importance of reconciliation after conflict. Pictured, right, the Queen delivers her 2015 speech to reach out to those who had lost loved ones that year

Pictured, left, the Queen in her 2013 Christmas message, when she looked back on the birth of her grandson Prince George. Pictured, centre, the Queen during her 2014 speech, in which she marked 100 years since the start of the First World War and touched on the importance of reconciliation after conflict. Pictured, right, the Queen delivers her 2015 speech to reach out to those who had lost loved ones that year

Pictured, left, the Queen at her 2016 address, when she honoured the Olympians and Paralympians of the Commonwealth following the Olympic Games in the summer. The speech came after her 90th birthday celebrations. Pictured, centre, the Queen beams during her 2017 speech as she sits alongside pictures of Princess George and Princess Charlotte and speaks of the importance of home following the Islamist bombing on Manchester Arena and the Grenfell fire tragedy in Kensington, west London. Pictured, right, the Queen's 2018 address in which she sits alongside pictures of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Sussexes. This year she will not sit beside a photo of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

Pictured, left, the Queen at her 2016 address, when she honoured the Olympians and Paralympians of the Commonwealth following the Olympic Games in the summer. The speech came after her 90th birthday celebrations. Pictured, centre, the Queen beams during her 2017 speech as she sits alongside pictures of Princess George and Princess Charlotte and speaks of the importance of home following the Islamist bombing on Manchester Arena and the Grenfell fire tragedy in Kensington, west London. Pictured, right, the Queen's 2018 address in which she sits alongside pictures of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Sussexes. This year she will not sit beside a photo of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

 

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