The British royal family's traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham saw a notable inclusion this year, as the daughters of the King's brother, Prince Andrew, joined the festive proceedings. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were among the royals who attended the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
A Festive Royal Gathering
King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the royal contingent, arriving at the historic church for the morning service. The event marks a significant moment in the annual royal calendar, drawing well-wishers and media from across the globe. The presence of the York princesses, Beatrice and Eugenie, added a familial dimension to the public appearance, highlighting the extended family's participation in the long-standing tradition.
The service took place as scheduled at the church located on the monarch's private Sandringham estate. This year's attendance patterns within the royal family are often closely watched for insights into family dynamics and public-facing unity during the holiday season.
Details of the Christmas Day Appearance
The event unfolded under clear skies, with the royals greeting crowds of spectators who had gathered outside the church. The Christmas Day service is one of the few times each year where multiple members of the royal family are seen together in a public, yet traditional, setting. The appearance of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie alongside the King and Queen underscores their continued status as working members of the wider royal family, participating in key family-oriented events.
Their father, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, was not mentioned in the initial report detailing the service attendance. The focus remained on the daughters' participation in the day's events.
Context and Tradition
The Sandringham Christmas tradition is a deeply ingrained part of the British monarchy's public life. For decades, the royal family has spent the holiday period at the Norfolk estate and attended the service at St Mary Magdalene Church. The presence of extended family members, such as the York princesses, reinforces the tradition's role as a familial gathering as much as a state occasion.
This public appearance follows the pattern of recent years, where the monarch seeks to present a unified family front during the holidays. The inclusion of the King's nieces is seen as a continuation of their supportive roles within the family structure. The event passed without incident, focusing on the seasonal message and the interaction between the royals and the public.
The 2025 service maintains the continuity of this public tradition under the reign of King Charles III, blending centuries-old custom with the current composition of the modern royal family.
