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Prince & Princess of Wales

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge head to church at Sandringham on Christmas morning

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have attended Christmas Day service at Sandringham

The couple, along with their three children, were seen at St Mary Magdalene on the Norfolk estate.

The Duchess was wearing a check coat and trilby style hat.

The family is spending Christmas Day at their home at Anmer Hall where they will be joined by the Duchess’ parents, Michael and Carole Middleton.

Ahead of the service, William and Catherine sent a very personal message on their official social media, telling those who feel lonely or who are away from loved ones that ”we are thinking of you”.

The message, signed W&C, read in full ”This Christmas will be different to what so many of us had planned. From those who are alone or having to isolate away from loved ones, to the incredible people supporting our NHS and caring for those most in need – we are thinking of you. W & C”

The Queen had hoped to gather many of her family with her at Sandringham this Christmas but rising coronavirus infection rates in the UK meant that she changed her plans and remained instead at Windsor Castle.

Her Majesty is understood to have worshipped privately within the castle walls on Christmas morning. The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Earl and Countess of Wessex, along with their children, Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn, all attended a Christmas Day service at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor before joining The Queen for festive celebrations.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.