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Though King Charles III introduced a number of new traditions for this year's royal Christmas celebration, one thing remained the same: The family's morning walk to Norfolk’s St. Mary Magdalene Church continued as it has for years, with Charles and Queen Camilla leading the charge.
Kate Middleton, Prince William, and children Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, and Prince George also enjoyed the walk, which was observed on both sides by ardent fans, many bearing gifts. One such offering, a giant Lindor chocolate egg, thrilled the 7-year-old Louis, who snatched it from his father's hands.
Also on the walk were Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie, along with their children Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex. Princess Anne, seemingly unbowed by her recent unseating as Britain's hardest-working royal, walked alongside husband Sir Timothy Laurence. Daughter Zara Tindall and her husband Mike Tindall were close behind.
As expected, Andrew Mountbatten-Winsdor was not with the family, nor was ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. Both surprised royal watchers when they appeared with the family during the 2023 celebration, given the persistent allegations of sex abuse against Andrew, some of which he settled in 2022. Stripped of his title this fall, and with his name again in the headlines as documents from the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have been released, his absence was unsurprising. But the couple's two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, were indeed in attendance, perhaps a reflection of the king's hope that they'd increase their royal profile.
Also absent were Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who celebrated elsewhere with their two children, Archie and Lilibet. Queen Camilla's two children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, had also noted in advance that they and their families would not join the royal family at Sandringham this year.
Despite the absences, this year's celebration comes at a happy time for the family, especially given the news that King Charles is reducing his cancer treatment schedule.
"The year has ended on a very positive note for the King, and the good news regarding his health will undoubtedly lift his spirits and those of the people around him." royal expert Robert Jobson tells Hello!. “It will be good for him to have a chance to relax among his loved ones. It will be a very special time. I'm sure he will raise a glass this Christmas to those who care for him.”
