You know that Christmas is well and truly underway when the royal family step out together on Christmas Day to walk to church!
Members of the British royal family joined the Queen in attending the traditional Christmas Day church service at St Mary’s Magdalene in Norfolk overnight.
And all eyes were on the ‘Fab Four’ – Princes William and Harry and their wives, Duchesses Kate and Meghan. And they did not disappoint with big smiles, sharp outfits and a genuine show of family unity.
Prince William, Duchess Kate, Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry step out for Christmas Day at Sandringham. (Source: Getty)
Despite mounting rumours of a family feud, the four young royals showed a united front as they happily walked together smiling at onlookers and receiving flowers.
The occasion also marked Duchess Meghan’s first as a fully-fledged member of the Royal Family (even though she attended last year), and the mum-to-be looked simply glowing as she walked next to her sister-in-law, while linking arms with Prince Harry.
A video captured by a royal fan (see below) shows Meghan tenderly touching sister-in-law Kate’s back, as they walked together through the gates.
After much speculation whether Prince William and Kate would join the family for the festivities, the couple and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are indeed at Sandringham this year, despite the fact they usually alternate between the royal family and the Middletons.
This year the family-of-five stayed at their country home, Anmer Hall, which is a short walk from the church.
Duchess Kate and Duchess Meghan on Christmas Day 2018. (Source: Getty)
Prince William, Duchess Kate, Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry smiling at onlookers on Christmas Day. (Source: Getty)
The Queen at the annual Christmas Day church service. (Source: Getty)
After the hour long-service, family members, including the Queen, Prince Charles and the Duke of York, returned to Sandringham House for a big Christmas lunch.
Prince Philip, 97, did not attend the service – but UK media reports that a palace spokesperson has assured that the Philip is in good health and “spending the day ‘privately”. Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, also did not attend as she is still recovering from a cold.
Then they all sat down together as a family to watch the Queen’s Christmas message.
The Queen delivered her annual Christmas message. (Source: The Royal Family / Instagram)
This year, the Queen touched on the need for unity in diversity, which some felt was a direct message for her granddaughters-in-law.
“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.”
Queen Elizabeth’s full message was heart-felt and moving, reflecting on the year gone by both from a global and very personal point of view. (Watch the full video HERE).
And what a year it has been for the Royal Family with marriages, births, pregnancies and milestone birthdays!
At 3pm London time, Britons gathered around their televisions to hear the British monarch talk about 2018, what Christmas means to her and her family and also share some insights, hopes and ideals.
