Prince George And Princess Charlotte Join The Royal Family For Sandringham Christmas Service

As per Christmas Day tradition, the Royal Family stepped out for the 11am service at St. Mary Magdalene - a modest church on the Sandringham estate, where they spend the festive holidays.

It's a tradition that was reportedly started by the Queen's great-great grandmother - Queen Victoria.

This year, for the first time, Prince George and Princess Charlotte attended the Christmas Day service with their parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. In previous years, the royal pair had attended St Mark's Church in Englefield, Berkshire, for a Christmas service with Kate Middleton's parents Carole and Michael Middleton. Prince Louis is considered still to be slightly too young for the tradition.

Considering that it was an exciting moment, to witness their Sandringham service debut, crowds came out to the road lining the parish, with many reportedly queueing from very first thing in the morning, with a wish to see the royal outing with their own eyes.

Graciously stopping to greet some of the well-wishers, four-year-old Princess Charlotte can be seen receiving the gift of an inflatable pink flamingo. Smiling as she does so, the tiny royal was pictured pausing to give a hug to the woman who brought her the present.

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, dressed festively, wearing a grey double-breasted coat with a (presumably faux) fur collar, plus a dark green fascinator.

She can be seen crouching down - holding a bouquet which she must also have been given by a well-wisher - coaching her small daughter as they both said hello to the waiting crowds.

Prince Philip did not attend the service, following his release from hospital on Christmas eve.

Prince Andrew, who was requested to retreat from royal duties following his implication in the Epstein scandal, did attend a Christmas Day service, but headed into the church earlier and by a different entrance, notionally to avoid the crowds and media.