Inside the traditional royal Christmas Day church service and how you can attend

24 December 2023 , 10:47

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The royals have been attending the traditional service since the 60s (Image: Getty Images)

The Royal Family will once again come out in force for their their traditional walk to church in Sandringham on Christmas Day.

While only a select few can sit alongside them inside the magnificent building, you can join the family before they make their way inside where they gather for a sermon and hymns. Not many can listen in with Firm and their guests, but if you're willing to give up your Christmas morning, you can catch a glimpse of them.

Shortly before 11am, the royals began making their way to St Mary Magdalene Church and the earlier you turn up, the better chance you have of saying hello. Norfolk Police every year advise visitors to arrive in plenty of time to access the public viewing area near the church. There will be precautionary security measures in place as usual, including searches upon entry.

Prince Louis stole the show last December by joining the royals for the first time on their traditional walk (Getty Images)

The moment the royals arrive outside, the family are once again expected to be greeted by the Reverend Canon Dr Paul Rhys Williams before they climb the steps to the church. Once settled, the National Anthem will be sung before the first hymn, O Come, All Ye Faithful.

It is highly likely that King Charles and the Queen Consort will once again be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children George, Charlotte and Louis with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle again not expected to spend the festive period in the UK.

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The King’s sister, the Princess Royal, and her family will also attend the service as usual. Last December, Zara and Mike Tindall, Edward and Sophie Wessex with Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn as well as Princess Beatrice, her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and his son Wolfie were all in attendance.

Zara Tindall, husband Mike and little Lena enjoyed last year's service (UK Press via Getty Images)

In a surprise appearance at the church 12 months ago Prince Andrew was seen alongside his youngest daughter Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank. The shamed royal could have some extra support this year if speculation of a familiar face around the table is correct.

According to reports, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has been invited to Sandringham this year to join the family. Despite being divorced from Andrew since 1996, the pair remain good friends. They jointly care for the late Queen's beloved Corgis, Muick and Sandy and she is still liked by senior royals.

After the morning trip to St Mary Magdalene Church and the greeting of well-wishers, the family are expected to tuck into a lunch of turkey and all the trimmings. Afterwards, traditionally members of the royal family sit down to watch the Queen's televised address when it airs after lunch at 3pm on December 25.

Last year, the festive message was recorded on December 13 at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, a religious building which has a strong association with the late Queen. It is unclear at what point this year's address was filmed but is expected to include reference to the ongoing conflicts around the world.

Sam Elliott-Gibbs