Queen attends church service with family during Sandringham break

29 December 2019, 14:37

The Queen attended church with other royal family members
The Queen attended church with other royal family members. Picture: PA
Nick Hardinges

By Nick Hardinges

The Queen and Prince Charles have attended a church service with other members of the royal family during Her Majesty's Sandringham break.

Three of Queen Elizabeth's children joined her at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk estate.

The Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal and the Earl of Wessex all attended the service on Sunday morning.

Lady Louise Windsor, the elder child and only daughter of Prince Edward, and Princess Anne's husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence were also both pictured walking to the church.

The Queen steps into a vehicle after attending the morning service
The Queen steps into a vehicle after attending the morning service. Picture: PA

The Queen was seen being driven to the service in the company of her daughter-in-law, Sophie the Countess of Wessex.

She wore a pastel yellow coat with a matching hat and black gloves.

Charles was spotted laughing with members of the public upon his arrival.

Her fourth child, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, was not present after stepping back from royal duties in November.

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was also not present after spending a short spell in hospital before Christmas for a pre-existing condition.

Several members of the royal family attended the church service
Several members of the royal family attended the church service. Picture: PA

Fans of the royals and well-wishers gathered at the church to see Her Royal Highness, who spends every winter at Sandringham.

She arrives at the estate shortly before Christmas Day and stays there until early February.

The royals traditionally attend the Church of St Mary Magdalene for the Christmas Day service, before heading home for lunch in time to watch the Queen's Christmas speech.