Members of the British royal family, including Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, came together to celebrate Christmas on December 25, 2025. The family attended the traditional Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, joining King Charles III and Queen Camilla for the occasion.
The royal family greeted well-wishers who braved the cold to gather along the route to the church. This festive event is a long-standing tradition that allows the royals to interact with the public and spread holiday cheer. The day began with the church service, followed by a family lunch at Sandringham Estate.
Notable Family Absences and Attendance
Notably absent from the family gathering was Prince Andrew, who had been stripped of his royal titles by King Charles in October 2023. His absence marked another year of distancing from public royal duties, following the fallout from his connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Despite Andrew’s absence, his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, attended the service with their husbands, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank. The presence of Beatrice and Eugenie highlighted the continuity of royal family traditions even in the face of challenging circumstances.
Christmas Traditions at Sandringham
Christmas at Sandringham is characterized by a series of cherished traditions. After the church service, the royal family enjoys a festive lunch together, during which they partake in seasonal delicacies. Following lunch, they gather to watch the king deliver his annual televised Christmas message, which has become a staple of British holiday viewing.
In the evening, the family typically comes together again for a buffet dinner, allowing them to relax and enjoy each other’s company. The day after Christmas, known as Boxing Day in the United Kingdom, traditionally involves a pheasant shoot on the estate grounds, further emphasizing the royal family’s connection to their land and heritage.
This year’s celebrations not only showcased the enduring traditions of the British royal family but also reflected their adaptation to evolving circumstances. As they gathered together, the royals maintained a sense of unity and resilience, celebrating Christmas in a manner that continues to resonate with the public.
