Prince Andrew makes surprise appearance at Sandringham for royals Christmas Day service
The Prince and Princess of Wales were also in attendance, as was the Queen Consort, at the first such festivity since the death of the Queen in September.
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie also attended in a walking procession behind the King, whose speech will be broadcast on BBC 1 at 3pm on Sunday – and the Royals are set to watch,
Eyes were drawn to the presence of Andrew, whose future within the Firm appears unclear – having beens stripped of duties following his part in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The Duke of York, however, walked alongside his brother, Charles, at the funeral for the Queen.
King Charles with his wife the Queen Consort
/ Getty Images
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The royal standard is flying above the private Norfolk estate where Charles and the Queen Consort will be on Christmas Day, marking a return to traditional royal festivities.
Royal Christmases also feature the greeting of well-wishers, and a family lunch with turkey and all the trimmings.
It will be the first time the royal family has spent Christmas at Sandringham since 2019 and will be a poignant period after the death of the Queen in September.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children are expected to join the King and his wife, alongside the Princess Royal and her family and the Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children.
Charles has recorded his first Christmas broadcast as monarch, which is likely to reflect on the loss of his mother, and her legacy. The festive message was recorded on December 13 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
The Princess of Wales at the walkabout
/ REUTERS
An image of Charles, taken during the recording of his inaugural festive address had been released ahead of Christmas Day.
In the background is a large Christmas tree decorated with ornaments made from sustainable materials including paper and glass as well as natural products such as pine cones.
The picture also shows foliage decorations that have been placed among the stalls in the quire, that feature holly, berried ivy and red skimmia.
Sandringham House has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs for more than 160 years, and now belongs to the King
