As always, members of the family made their annual walk to St Mary Magdalene Church for Christmas Day service.
Prince Charles led the group closely followed by William, Kate, Meghan and Harry. Prince Philip was notably absent, however the Palace said he is in "perfectly good health". The Duchess of Cornwall is unwell with a cold and was also unable to make the service.
The festive break in Norfolk offers a chance for the family to regroup and enjoy a few days together on the scenic estate. It's an opportunity to reflect on the year that's passed; it's been one of milestones and celebrations with the arrival of Prince Louis, the Sussexes' wedding and baby news, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's wedding. William and Kate like to alternate Christmas between both families as often as possible, and although it was thought they might opt to spend it in Bucklebury this year, they chose to head to Norfolk. It's understood they will travel to the Middletons shortly and perhaps ring in the New Year with Kate's family.
We saw an abundance of photos of the Duchesses en route to the service. Below, Kate and Meghan chatting.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex with their children Louise and James.
Autumn Phillips and Princess Beatrice followed closely by Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.
The arrivals video below offers a good look at those in attendance.
Her Majesty was resplendent in a soft dove grey coat with fuchsia pink trim.
The parish church of St Mary Magdalene is one of exceptional historic interest, with memorials to many members and relations of the Royal family, from Queen Victoria onward. It is considered one of the finest carrstone buildings in existence, and dates back in its present form to the 16th century. The sumptuously decorated chancel with its carved angels frames the silver altar and reredos presented to Queen Alexandra by the American Rodman Wanamaker as a tribute to King Edward VII. He also presented her with the silver pulpit and a silver 17th-century Spanish processional cross. Other notable features include a Florentine marble font, a Greek 9th-century font and stained glass from the 16th century onward. Aside from Christmas celebrations, Princess Diana and Princess Eugenie were baptised there, and William and Kate chose it as the venue for Princess Charlotte's christening.
The royals departing.
You can see Kate and Meghan curtsying at 1.40 in this video.
One of my favourite aspects of Christmas Day at Sandringham is seeing the crowds turn out; often the same local faces year after year. Seeing the royals arriving and departing has become a tradition for a number of royal watchers. I think the royals greatly appreciate the gesture, and it's one of the reasons we tend to see them spending as long as they can meeting those waiting.
One of my favourite aspects of Christmas Day at Sandringham is seeing the crowds turn out; often the same local faces year after year. Seeing the royals arriving and departing has become a tradition for a number of royal watchers. I think the royals greatly appreciate the gesture, and it's one of the reasons we tend to see them spending as long as they can meeting those waiting.
Kate told well-wishers George and Charlotte were "up very early" to open their gifts from Father Christmas. I imagine there were scenes of joy (and plenty of wrapping paper) before they left Anmer for church.
William revealed it was a 5 am start.
William and Kate chatting to the crowd outside Sandringham Church after the Christmas morning service, today. #Christmas #Sandringham #RoyalFamily #PrinceWilliam #katemiddleton pic.twitter.com/lyBYvgLP2w— Shakira.A.K (@ShakiraKachwal1) December 25, 2018
Kate received beautiful flowers.
A video from the walkabout.
There's additional footage in this video filmed by a well-wisher.
Amidst a very difficult month of headlines, there was no doubt in my mind we would see a united front and photos of the Cambridges and Sussexes arriving together as they did last year. An onlooker captured this moment as they returned to the 'big house'. Watch a video here.
The Duchess was Berry Festive in a red Catherine Walker coatdress. I thought it an effortlessly elegant choice and the hue worked perfectly for a seasonal effect. The double-breasted piece features a full skirt and velvet trim on the collar, cuffs and pockets.
It's almost identical to Kate's green Walker coatdress with identical velvet trim detail.
The Duchess teamed the coat with the Jane Taylor Halo Band.
The piece is described: "This wide band shape is synonymous with the 1930’s, perfect for those who wish to add a timeless and classic style to their A/W outfit. In a choice of colours this peach bloom felt halo band in adorned with a delicately twisted bow and curled snake charm on the side."
Kate accessorised with her Asprey Oak Leaf earrings.
And unidentified acorn brooch. Kate's had the piece since at least 2012.
Kate completed the look with her burgundy Gianvito Rossi pumps.
And Mulberry suede clutch.
In case you missed Her Majesty's Christmas speech, the monarch reflected on personal celebrations throughout the year: "It’s been a busy year for my family, with two weddings and two babies – and another child expected soon. It helps to keep a grandmother well occupied." The Queen focused on the importance of respecting each other and overcoming our differences: "Even with the most deeply--held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding." Indeed, the Queen's wise words could be applied to royal watching. It's my hope we'll see a kinder royal community emerge in 2019.
Hope you're all enjoying a wonderful Christmas with your nearest and dearest. This year, I've been reminded it can also be an incredibly painful time for those who have lost a loved one or know someone grieving. Sending good thoughts in particular to those who find it a trying period.
With sincere apologies for the lateness of the post and a word of thanks to those who have been in touch. I've been under the weather for the past couple of weeks and relapsed on Christmas Eve. Thankfully, I'm finally on the mend. Thank you all for bearing with me during this period. To those of you who were checking in yesterday for a new post on the service I'm very sorry. I expect normal posting to resume from here on in.
