Zara Tindall’s touching friendship with Prince William’s children and Mike’s bond with Prince George prove how the Tindalls and Waleses have grown closer (since Harry and Meghan drifted away)

The Waleses and Tindalls are known to have a close bond, perhaps especially since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to the US – and it was clearly evident on Christmas Day.

Members of the Royal Family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, their children, and Mike and Zara Tindall, attended the service at Sandringham.

Prince Louis, five, lovingly held the hand of his great-nephew Mia Tindall, nine, as he made his way to St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk Estate.

Former England rugby star Mike Tindall, 45, who is married to the King’s niece Zara, was also pictured affectionately ruffling 10-year-old Prince George’s hair after the service.

Meanwhile, cousins ​​Princess Charlotte, eight, and Mia starred as the next generation of helpful royals, lending a helping hand to Kate, 41, dressed in an Alexander McQueen coat, by accepting flowers as she greeted the crowd.

Mia’s sister Lena, five, walked hand in hand behind the Wales, with her mother Zara and father, former England rugby player Mike. Her younger brother Lucas, two, stayed home.

Princess Charlotte, holding hands with her mother, looked festive in a bottle green coat with her hair tied in braids as they headed to church service earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, George, who was walking alone, looked very grown up in a smart suit. His father, William, also wore a matching suit.

Louis, meanwhile, held hands with both Prince William and Mia Tindall, the daughter of William’s cousin Zara.

Adorable Prince Louis – who often steals the spotlight with his cheeky display – took part in his first ever Christmas walk last year. Yesterday he opted for tweed trousers and a navy blue jacket.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank also joined the King and Queen. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stayed in California.

The Princess of Wales beamed with happiness as she walked to the service with her husband, ahead of the other members of the royal family.

She looked elegant in her festive attire as she waved to well-wishers who traveled to Norfolk yesterday.

Hundreds of well-wishers had been queuing since the early hours to catch a glimpse of the royals, waving excitedly as the King and Queen Consort made their way to church.

Prince Harry has remained in the US with Meghan and their two children Archie and Lilibet – despite recent hopes of a thaw in relations between King Charles and his youngest son.

The royal festivities usually start when everyone arrives on Christmas Eve. The family opens presents, some of which are gag presents – one of the royal family’s traditions.

The family then attends services at St. Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas morning. Once they get home, a Christmas lunch is served, followed by games in the afternoon.

Last Christmas the royals experienced their biggest change in decades as they celebrated their first festive period without Queen Elizabeth II, who had died just a few months earlier.

The King and Queen, along with the Princess Royal and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, waved to well-wishers as they attended a Christmas Eve service at the church on Sunday.

Royal Christmas holidays traditionally include greeting people outside the church, and a family lunch with turkey and all the trimmings.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh joined the rest of the royal family on their way to church. The Duchess of Edinburgh wore a custom version of the Claire Mischevani Kristen coat.