Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Royals attend Christmas Day church service

Brian Farmer,Pa
Saturday 25 December 2010 15:30 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

More than 1,000 people gathered today to watch members of the Royal Family attend a Christmas Day church service at Sandringham.

Police mounted a large security operation as 10 royals, including the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, arrived for the annual service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the royal estate in Norfolk.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, the Duke of York and his daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex joined the Queen and Duke at the service, led by Sandringham rector Jonathan Riviere.

Most of the party - including the Duke of Edinburgh - walked the quarter mile from Sandringham House to the church despite freezing temperatures. The Queen arrived by car with the Countess of Wessex.

Seasoned royal watchers could not remember so few royals attending the Christmas Day service.

Last year the royal party also included Prince William, the Princess Royal and her husband Timothy Laurence, plus the Princess Royal's children - Peter Phillips with his wife Autumn, and Zara Phillips.

Royal officials said William, who is serving in the forces, was working at RAF Valley on Anglesey and Miss Phillips was spending Christmas with her fiancee, England rugby union international Mike Tindall. Autumn Phillips is expecting a baby in the near future.

A royal spokesman said he was unable to explain the absence of the Princess Royal and her husband.

Police searched members of the public arriving for the service. Officers were also seen speaking to a youth standing in the crowd carrying a long-lens camera.

The Queen accepted flowers from children after the 40-minute service and members of the royal party chatted to onlookers as they made their way back to Sandringham House.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie caught the eye in high-heeled boots and distinctive headgear as the royals attended church.

Beatrice opted for five-inch stilettos and a fascinator, Eugenie for slightly smaller platform heels and a trilby-style hat.

The Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall dressed for the weather in full-length coats, scarves and Russian-style fur hats.

The Countess of Wessex opted for black court shoes and a purple pill box hat.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in