On December 25, 2025, the British royal family gathered at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk for their annual Christmas Day service, a tradition that continues to draw crowds from across the United Kingdom and beyond. The event, which has been a fixture in the royal calendar since King Edward VII began the custom of spending Christmas at Sandringham, saw King Charles and Queen Camilla lead their family in both worship and public celebration, despite a year marked by personal and public challenges for the monarchy.
According to BBC, people began queuing as early as 9:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, braving the cold to secure a glimpse of the royals. By 11:00 a.m. on Christmas morning, hundreds had gathered outside the church, where the royal family arrived and were greeted by Reverend Canon Dr Paul Rhys Williams. The service itself was relayed to the crowd outside via speakers, ensuring that even those unable to fit inside the historic 16th-century church could participate in the festive occasion.
King Charles, dressed in a camel-colored overcoat, and Queen Camilla, radiant in a festive red Anna Valentine coat paired with a Philip Treacy hat, led the procession from Sandringham House to the church. Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, matched Camilla in a bright red coat and scarf, while other family members embraced a coordinated palette of checkered, brown, and navy outfits, as reported by People. Prince William, the Prince of Wales, and Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, were accompanied by their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—all dressed in harmonious shades that reflected both tradition and modern style. Kate’s brown plaid Blazé Milano coat and Charlotte’s tan coat with brown velvet trim drew particular attention from royal watchers.
After the service concluded around midday, the royal family emerged to greet the well-wishers who had waited patiently on the lawn. According to The Independent, the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their children, spent considerable time mingling with the public, shaking hands, accepting bouquets, and gathering gifts. Princess Charlotte was seen giving a heartfelt hug to a woman in a wheelchair, a gesture that touched many bystanders. Prince George and Prince Louis clutched soft toys, while Charlotte collected a bouquet of flowers, all gifts from the crowd. Kate Middleton, always gracious, engaged in in-depth conversations with several individuals and was seen with her arms full of flowers from admirers.
Notably absent from the festivities was Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his titles in October 2025 following renewed scrutiny over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, was also absent, having faced her own controversies throughout the year. However, Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, attended the service with their husbands, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank, respectively. Both princesses embraced the checkered coat trend, with Beatrice opting for a Cara Cara coat and Eugenie in a caped Byan coat with a purple hat. The presence of these younger royals, alongside Zara Tindall and her family, helped maintain a sense of continuity and togetherness for the House of Windsor.
Prince Andrew’s absence marked the second consecutive year he has not attended the Christmas Day service, a stark contrast to his participation in 2023. As BBC and The Independent reported, he is expected to move in the new year from Royal Lodge in Windsor to an undisclosed property on the Sandringham estate, which remains privately owned by King Charles. Buckingham Palace emphasized that Andrew’s appearance in recently released U.S. government files related to Epstein is not evidence of a crime, and Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The day’s festivities were not limited to the church service. On Christmas Eve, a pre-recorded piano duet featuring Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte was broadcast from Windsor Castle for Catherine’s Christmas carol concert, as highlighted by BBC and The Independent. The mother-daughter performance of a piece by Scottish composer Erland Cooper delighted viewers and added a personal, musical touch to the royal celebrations. Kensington Palace had teased the performance with a video captioned “a special duet…,” building anticipation among royal fans.
In addition to the sartorial elegance and public displays of affection, the royal family’s Christmas at Sandringham carried deeper significance this year. King Charles, who has been undergoing cancer treatment, delivered his traditional Christmas message from Westminster Abbey, focusing on the theme of unity in a divided world. According to BBC, the King’s speech emphasized the importance of “never losing sight” of the values that bring communities together, especially in times of great challenge. Earlier in December, Charles shared encouraging news about his health, stating that he had “responded exceptionally well to treatment” and that his doctors were moving into a “precautionary phase.” He attributed his progress to “early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to doctors’ orders,” and announced that his treatment would be reduced in the new year.
Kate Middleton also shared her own health update, revealing in January 2025 that she is in remission from cancer. The royal family’s openness about their health struggles has resonated with many, offering a sense of hope and solidarity to those facing similar battles.
The Sandringham estate, with its storied history and role as the customary seasonal meeting place for the royal family since 1988, once again served as the backdrop for both tradition and change. St Mary Magdalene Church, dating back to the 16th century, has witnessed countless royal milestones, including Princess Charlotte’s christening. This year’s Christmas brought together generations of royals, each contributing to the evolving narrative of the monarchy.
As the royal family returned to Sandringham House after the service and prepared to watch the King’s speech at 3 p.m., the mood was one of cautious optimism. The absence of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, the visible warmth between family members, and the King’s message of unity all underscored a year of transition and resilience for the House of Windsor. For the crowds who braved the winter chill and for viewers around the world, the royal family’s Christmas at Sandringham offered a moment of connection, celebration, and reflection amid ongoing change.
In a year defined by both personal trials and public scrutiny, the British royal family’s Christmas gathering at Sandringham stood as a testament to tradition, adaptability, and the enduring power of community.