The Royal Family will continue a cherished festive tradition this Christmas Day, gathering for the annual church service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate. While the sermon inside the historic church is a private affair for the family and their guests, hundreds of devoted royal fans will have the chance to see them arrive and depart, offering a unique opportunity for a festive greeting.
How to Secure Your Spot for the Christmas Day Service
To catch a glimpse of the royals in their Christmas finery, spectators must be prepared for an early start. The family typically begins their journey to the church just before 11am. Norfolk Police consistently advise the public to arrive well in advance to secure a good position in the designated viewing area near the church gates. The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of a clear view and a potential exchange of seasonal greetings with the working members of The Firm.
As is standard for such events, security measures will be in place. These are likely to include entry searches for those in the viewing area. Upon the royals' arrival, it is expected that the Rector, Reverend Canon Dr Paul Rhys Williams, will welcome the family at the church entrance before they proceed up the steps.
Who's Attending and Who's Absent This Year
The congregation will see a familiar core of senior royals. King Charles and Queen Camilla will be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The King's sister, the Princess Royal, is also expected to attend with her family, as are the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex.
However, the service will see notable absences. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are not anticipated to spend the festive period in the UK. Furthermore, the disgraced Duke of York, Prince Andrew, and his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, will not be present at Sandringham for the celebrations. Reports suggest Princess Beatrice will also be absent, choosing to spend the holiday abroad with friends.
The Festive Schedule and the King's Message
Once the royal party is seated inside St Mary Magdalene Church, the service will commence with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the classic Christmas hymn, O Come, All Ye Faithful. Following the service and the greeting of well-wishers, the family will return to Sandringham House for a traditional Christmas lunch, believed to feature turkey with all the trimmings.
Later, at 3pm, the family traditionally gathers to watch the King's pre-recorded Christmas broadcast. Last year, King Charles used his message to express profound gratitude to medical staff who supported him and his family during periods of illness. The speech was recorded at the Fitzrovia Chapel in London, marking a departure from the seated broadcasts of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
For royal watchers, the Sandringham church walk remains a highlight of the festive calendar, offering a rare and colourful glimpse of the monarchy at its most traditional. With careful planning and a willingness to brave a Norfolk winter morning, the public can share in a small part of this enduring royal Christmas custom.
