The Royal Family Closes a Year of Milestones with Christmas at Sandringham
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined the Royal family for the annual Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church this morning.
William and Kate are marking the festivities at Sandringham this year.
Like many families they alternate Christmas between both sets of in-laws - spending it with the Middletons last year. 2017 has been quiet a year for the Cambridges and indeed the entire Royal family. Prince William's decision to conclude his flying career and take on full-time duties coincided with Prince Philip's retirement and prompted a permanent move to Kensington Palace. The Duke and Duchess announced news they are expecting their third baby and Prince George began school at Thomas's Battersea.
Like many families they alternate Christmas between both sets of in-laws - spending it with the Middletons last year. 2017 has been quiet a year for the Cambridges and indeed the entire Royal family. Prince William's decision to conclude his flying career and take on full-time duties coincided with Prince Philip's retirement and prompted a permanent move to Kensington Palace. The Duke and Duchess announced news they are expecting their third baby and Prince George began school at Thomas's Battersea.
It's been a momentous year for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle who announced their engagement less than a month ago. William and Kate are reportedly hosting them at Anmer Hall over the festive period. Meghan is marking her first Christmas with the family today. No doubt, she and Kate had plenty to chat about, from fun gifts for the family to their choice of outfits for the day at Anmer (you can read more about Meghan's appearance here).
This year also marked the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's passing. Two decades later, it is wonderful to see both William and Harry settled and happy. This photo was taken by a lady in the crowd, Karen Anvil, and captures a wonderful happy moment. William and Kate holding hands and Harry and Meghan arm in arm. Today, 'The Royal Trio' became 'The Fab Four'.
This year also marked the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's passing. Two decades later, it is wonderful to see both William and Harry settled and happy. This photo was taken by a lady in the crowd, Karen Anvil, and captures a wonderful happy moment. William and Kate holding hands and Harry and Meghan arm in arm. Today, 'The Royal Trio' became 'The Fab Four'.
A relaxing family Christmas offers the perfect setting to reflect on the year's milestones and enjoy time with family before the major events of 2018.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, together with the Queen and other senior members of the Royal Family, arrive for Christmas Day church service at Sandringham https://t.co/TE455ryES1 pic.twitter.com/TPurtyspBs� BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) December 25, 2017
It's another packed year at Sandringham with an estimated thirty royals enjoying the festivities at the Norfolk estate.
Members in attendance include Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Wessexes, the Yorks, and the Princess Royal and her husband Timothy Lawrence, along with Peter Phillips and his family.
The parish church of St Mary Magdalene is one of exceptional historic interest, with memorials to many members and relations of the Royal family, from Queen Victoria onwards. It is considered one of the finest carrstone buildings in existence, and dates back in its present form to the 16th century.
The parish church of St Mary Magdalene is one of exceptional historic interest, with memorials to many members and relations of the Royal family, from Queen Victoria onwards. It is considered one of the finest carrstone buildings in existence, and dates back in its present form to the 16th century.
The sumptuously decorated chancel with its carved angels frames the silver altar and reredos presented to Queen Alexandra by the American Rodman Wanamaker as a tribute to King Edward VII. He also presented her with the silver pulpit and a silver 17th-century Spanish processional cross. Other notable features include a Florentine marble font, a Greek 9th-century font and stained glass from the 16th century onwards. Aside from Christmas celebrations, Princess Diana and Princess Eugenie were baptised there, and William and Kate chose it as the venue for Princess Charlotte's christening.
Her Majesty looked regal as always.
Curtsies as Her Majesty departs.
Meghan and Kate chatting outside the church.
The Duchess received flowers from well-wishers.
William and Kate greeting members of the public and wishing them a Happy Christmas. Kate said: "Everyone needs to get home for a cup of tea I think".
Kate asked a lady if she was warm enough before exchanging festive greetings.
There was a very large turnout from the public.
Curtsies as Her Majesty departs.
Meghan and Kate chatting outside the church.
The Duchess received flowers from well-wishers.
William and Kate greeting members of the public and wishing them a Happy Christmas. Kate said: "Everyone needs to get home for a cup of tea I think".
�Everyone needs to get home for a cup of tea I think� ?????? #Sandringham #KateMiddleton pic.twitter.com/TzTn2jec3K� Francesca?? (@RobronFan09) December 25, 2017
Kate asked a lady if she was warm enough before exchanging festive greetings.
There was a very large turnout from the public.
A nice wrap up from The Telegraph.
Upon their return to Anmer, I expect William and Kate will find George and Charlotte happily playing with their gifts from Santa. George asked for a police car, William told a member of the public there was one under the tree for him. Following a change of clothes, the family will sit down to a traditional Christmas lunch at 1.15 pm. Norfolk turkey accompanied by a selection of cold meats and a variety of side dishes is served.
Meghan Markle has joined the Royal family for their traditional #Christmas Day service at the Queen's Sandringham estate in a break with tradition https://t.co/onwYFELHUk pic.twitter.com/iWel5m2rCT� The Telegraph (@Telegraph) December 25, 2017
At precisely 3 pm the family gathers round to watch the Queen's Christmas message.
The theme of the Queen's Christmas message this year is "home". "We think of our home as places of warmth, familiarity and love...there is a timeless simplicity to the pull of home". Her Majesty also reflects on the tragedies of the year: "This Christmas, I think of London and Manchester, whose powerful identities shone through over the past twelve months in the face of appalling attacks." As you can see, there's two lovely photos of George and Charlotte laid out. Afterwards, the royals usually enjoy a long walk before an evening of television, board games and drinks.
The Duchess looked particularly festive this year in the red and green Miu Miu Velvet-trimmed double-breasted tartan wool-blend peacoat (with thanks to Millie).
The �2,655 piece is described as "Embrace this season's 'haute heritage' trend with Miu Miu's double-breasted peacoat - it has been expertly tailored in Italy from a luxurious wool-blend. Woven with a traditional tartan pattern, it has a velvet-trimmed notch collar, belted back and inverted pleat. It's fully lined and has a buttoned vent that can be adjusted for ease of movement." It's available in limited sizes at Net-A-Porter.
The official designer colour is 'Botighia'.
Kate wore her TOD's black suede pumps.
Kate sported a new black hat.
Kansas based brand Peruvian Connection shared news Kate wore their Vallnord Alpaca Fur Hat (with thanks to Surfer Girl). The fur is sustainably sourced from alpaca farmers in Peru. Kansas City reports "The hat has been in the company�s collection since the 1990s, says Elise Boroian, director of marketing and brand strategy for Peruvian Connection. Kate and her mother, Carole Middleton, have been customers of the company, which has a retail store in London, for years, said Boroian, who was careful not to offer many details out of respect for the family�s privacy. �We were so excited to see the photo on Christmas day. It�s the first time we�ve seen her in that particular hat,� she said."
You can find out more about the history of the brand in the video below.
And accessorised with her Kiki McDonough Diamond Flower and Lemon Quartz Drop Earrings.
Kate completed the look with her Mulberry clutch and Cornelia James Imogen gloves.
I hope you all have a splendid Christmas with your loved ones, filled with joy, laughter and happiness. It feels like an opportune moment to thank you for visiting the blog in 2017 and your support throughout the year. We leave you with this seasonal view of Sandringham House and Queen Alexandra's Nest in the snow. The Norfolk estate looks especially majestic during the winter.
The theme of the Queen's Christmas message this year is "home". "We think of our home as places of warmth, familiarity and love...there is a timeless simplicity to the pull of home". Her Majesty also reflects on the tragedies of the year: "This Christmas, I think of London and Manchester, whose powerful identities shone through over the past twelve months in the face of appalling attacks." As you can see, there's two lovely photos of George and Charlotte laid out. Afterwards, the royals usually enjoy a long walk before an evening of television, board games and drinks.
The Duchess looked particularly festive this year in the red and green Miu Miu Velvet-trimmed double-breasted tartan wool-blend peacoat (with thanks to Millie).
The �2,655 piece is described as "Embrace this season's 'haute heritage' trend with Miu Miu's double-breasted peacoat - it has been expertly tailored in Italy from a luxurious wool-blend. Woven with a traditional tartan pattern, it has a velvet-trimmed notch collar, belted back and inverted pleat. It's fully lined and has a buttoned vent that can be adjusted for ease of movement." It's available in limited sizes at Net-A-Porter.
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| Net-A-Porter |
The official designer colour is 'Botighia'.
 |
| Net-A-Porter |
Kate wore her TOD's black suede pumps.
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| TOD'S |
Kate sported a new black hat.
Kansas based brand Peruvian Connection shared news Kate wore their Vallnord Alpaca Fur Hat (with thanks to Surfer Girl). The fur is sustainably sourced from alpaca farmers in Peru. Kansas City reports "The hat has been in the company�s collection since the 1990s, says Elise Boroian, director of marketing and brand strategy for Peruvian Connection. Kate and her mother, Carole Middleton, have been customers of the company, which has a retail store in London, for years, said Boroian, who was careful not to offer many details out of respect for the family�s privacy. �We were so excited to see the photo on Christmas day. It�s the first time we�ve seen her in that particular hat,� she said."
You can find out more about the history of the brand in the video below.
And accessorised with her Kiki McDonough Diamond Flower and Lemon Quartz Drop Earrings.
 |
| Kiki McDonough |
Kate completed the look with her Mulberry clutch and Cornelia James Imogen gloves.
 |
| Cornelia James |
I hope you all have a splendid Christmas with your loved ones, filled with joy, laughter and happiness. It feels like an opportune moment to thank you for visiting the blog in 2017 and your support throughout the year. We leave you with this seasonal view of Sandringham House and Queen Alexandra's Nest in the snow. The Norfolk estate looks especially majestic during the winter.
Coming up, we'll have our annual Year in Review and polls asking you to select your favourite clothing and accessories worn by Kate this year.
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