In keeping with tradition, the Royal Family will attend the annual Christmas church service at St Mary Magdalene Church, where hundreds of royal fans will flock to catch a glimpse of the family in their festive best
14:00, 24 Dec 2025Updated 14:01, 24 Dec 2025
The royal family at Sandringham on Christmas Day(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The Royal Family is set to uphold their annual tradition of attending a church service in Sandringham on Christmas Day. While only a chosen few can accompany them inside the grand edifice, you have the opportunity to join the family before they enter for a sermon and hymns. Although not many can share this intimate moment with the Firm and their guests, if you’re prepared to sacrifice your Christmas morning, you might catch a glimpse of them.
Just before 11am, the royals start their journey to St Mary Magdalene Church, and the earlier you arrive, the better your chances of exchanging greetings. Every year, Norfolk Police advise spectators to arrive early to secure a spot in the public viewing area near the church.
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The royal family attend the annual church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham(Image: PA)
As per usual, precautionary security measures will be implemented, including entry searches. Upon the royals’ arrival, it’s anticipated that Reverend Canon Dr Paul Rhys Williams will once again welcome the family before they ascend the church steps. Once everyone is seated, the National Anthem will be sung, followed by the first hymn, O Come, All Ye Faithful.
It’s highly probable that King Charles and Queen Camilla will be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children George, Charlotte and Louis. However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are not expected to spend the festive period in the UK.
The King’s sister, the Princess Royal, and her family will also be present at the service as usual. Last December saw Zara and Mike Tindall, Edward and Sophie Wessex with Lady Louise Windsor and James, the Earl of Wessex, as well as Princess Beatrice, her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and his son Wolfie all in attendance.
Fans queue for hours to catch a glimpse of the royals on Christmas day (Image: Jordan Peck|Getty Images)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson will not be present at this year’s Christmas celebrations in Sandringham, as they have been effectively exiled from the Royal Family over their relationship to billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew is expected to vacate the Royal Lodge in the new year and relocate to a private home on the Sandringham estate, with the move purposefully being delayed to avoid any awkward run-ins with the disgraced royal over the festive period. Princess Beatrice is not expected at Sandringham this year – and will instead spend time with friends abroad, it has been reported.
Following the morning visit to St Mary Magdalene Church and the greeting of well-wishers, the family are expected to enjoy a lunch of turkey with all the trimmings. Traditionally, members of the Royal family settle down to watch the King’s televised address when it airs after lunch at 3pm on 25th December.
King Charles and Queen Camilla at Sandringham (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Last year, Charles used his festive message to thank those who have supported him as he was treated for cancer. In the pre-recorded message, delivered this year from the Fitzrovia Chapel of the former Middlesex Hospital in London, he said he wanted to offer his “heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who, this year, have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed”.
As the nation paused to listen to the speech, the King could be seen standing up, a move away from his late mother’s speeches in recent years which saw her sat down, surrounded by photographs of much-loved family members.
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