King Charles and Queen Camilla are joined by Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence during the Christmas Eve church service at Sandringham
The royal family arrived at Sandringham this morning, as King Charles and Queen Camilla were spotted heading to church as they prepared for an extended family Christmas.
The monarch waved cheerfully to well-wishers as he walked to St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, accompanied by Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence.
King Charles smiled warmly at the crowds who came to greet the royals at the Sandringham estate, with many of them taking pictures of the royal entourage on their phones.
Queen Camilla, wearing a warm wool coat and a hat with black feathers, strolled behind the king and smiled at the families who had gathered to greet the royals. Princess Anne, in a festive red ensemble, chatted with her sister-in-law as they walked through rural Norfolk.
Wearing his favorite tweed coat, the monarch looked cheerful as he made his way to St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, alongside Princess Anne’s husband Sir Timothy Laurence.
It is likely to be the first of two visits in two days, with a special service on Christmas Day at St Mary Magdalene Church, which was once visited by Queen Victoria and dates back to the 16th century.
The royals will spend Christmas Day and New Year at Sandringham House, with the Queen’s children joining the family tomorrow, along with the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The royal family usually maintains their traditions throughout the festive period.
On Christmas Eve, members of the Firm place their presents on the table and exchange gifts with each other during tea time.
King Charles smiled warmly at those who came to greet the royal family at the Sandringham estate on Christmas Eve
Queen Camilla, wearing a warm woolen coat and a hat with black feathers, strolled behind the king and smiled at the gathered families
They will spend Christmas Day and New Year’s at Sandringham House, a Norfolk estate that was handed over to King Charles after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The estate covers a whopping 20,000 hectares and was originally purchased for Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark just before they married.
Well-wishers often stand outside, warmly dressed, as they eagerly wait for the royals to greet them on their way from the service.
Many choose to give the family Christmas cards and gifts. A fan gave Prince Louis a feather Santa Claus last year, which he carried with him while his mother, Kate, spoke to a young girl who had come out to say hello.
A festive handshake: the king smiles as he is welcomed to the Christmas Eve service
The royals will spend Christmas Day and New Year at Sandringham House, while the Queen’s children will join the family on Christmas Day
A glimpse of Princess Anne: The King’s sister wore a festive ensemble as she walked alongside Camilla
Quite a crowd: Families dressed for winter weather took photos of the royals as they walked to the church service
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend the morning service at the church this Christmas.
The monarch is likely to be accompanied by his son, the Prince of Wales, along with the Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.
Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, and her family are also expected to attend, along with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.