King Charles and Queen Camilla lead royals to church on Christmas Day – live updates

The King and Queen led a procession of royals as they stepped out for the annual Christmas Day church service in Sandringham.

Charles, 75, and his wife, Camilla, 76, were in high spirits as they greeted the crowds who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the royals. Joining them at St Mary Magdalene were the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children, Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.

The royal family’s outing comes the day before the screening of Charles III: The Coronation Year on BBC. 

The documentary chronicles some of the major moments from the first year of the King’s reign, and includes an interview with the Princess Royal who gives her recollections of those first 12 months and how the monarch and his wife have adapted to their new roles.

How do the royals spend Christmas?

The royals traditionally exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, with the presents laid out on trestle tables at Sandringham House. This is in honour of their German heritage.

In the evening, they sit down for a formal dinner. Following the church service at St Mary Magdalene, the King and Queen will be joined by their family members for a traditional Turkey lunch with all the trimmings.

The royals will then settle down to watch the King’s speech at 3pm, which is pre-recorded.

LISTEN: The secrets of Sandringham Estate

On Boxing Day on 26 December, the royals typically enjoy a range of outdoor pursuits, including shooting, horse riding and long walks around the Sandringham estate.