Princess Catherine dazzles on royal walk after harrowing year

Princess Catherine has dazzled onlookers as she joined the royal family for the traditional Christmas Day celebrations at Sandringham. See the photos.

King Charles and Queen Camilla led dozens of royal family members as they attended their traditional Christmas Day service at Sandringham estate after a challenging year.

It has been one of the few times in 2024 the royal family has made a public appearance as a group after the year was rocked by the cancer diagnoses for both the King and the Princess of Wales.

Prince William, Prince Louis, Princess Catherine, and Princess Charlotte attend the 2024 Christmas Morning Service at St Mary Magdalene Church. Picture: Jordan Peck/Getty Images

The royals were greeted by many well wishers as they attended the Christmas Day mass at 11am at St Mary Magdalene church in Norfolk.

Princess Catherine looked a picture of health as she continues to recover from her cancer treatment and has only made several public appearances since it was revealed she was facing a serious health battle.

A radiant Princess Catherine steals the show as the royals attend the Christmas service at Sandringham. Picture: AFP

She wore a matching emerald green coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and a bow-adorned hat with a tartan scarf and black gloves while Queen Camilla also wore an emerald green coat and light green hat.

Princess Catherine attended the service – which lasted almost an hour – alongside Prince William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The Princess of Wales with husband Prince William and their three children, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George. Picture: AFP

The royals attend the 2024 Christmas Morning Service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2024 in Sandringham, Norfolk. Picture: Jordan Peck/Getty Images

Some wellwishers waited outside for hours to catch a glimpse of the royal family on Christmas morning at the King’s Estate.

After the Christmas mass, the King and Queen, alongside Prince William and Princess Catherine, led the family on a walk to speak to the awaiting crowds, with onlookers passing royal members gifts including flowers and toys before they made their way back to Sandringham house.

Princess Catherine greets fans who had waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the royals. Picture: Jordan Peck/Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales is hugged by a wellwisher after attending the traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church. Picture: AFP

Princess Catherine chats to royal fans outside the church. Picture: AFP

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edwards and Sophie, also greeted the crowds with the royals wishing many people a merry Christmas.

Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, walk with his son Christopher Woolf upon arrival to attend the Christmas Day service. Picture: AFP

Princess Beatrice, who is heavily pregnant, had been advised not to travel to the service due to being in the later stages of her pregnancy, but she did attend the service with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Catherine and Prince George make their way to the church. Picture: AFP

The Wales’s were seen carrying armfuls of gifts, mostly soft toys, chocolates and books, given to them by wellwishers.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and his children Prince George of Wales (C), and Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales hold gifts they received. Picture: AFP

Prince Andrew was a notable absentee and kept away from the Christmas celebrations after he recently made negative headlines of his long-running working relationship with businessman Yang Tengbo, an alleged Chinese spy.

In 2023 Mr Yang was banned by the UK after there serious concerns over his risk to national security.

It is understood Prince Andrew would spend Christmas Day with his ex-wife and close friend Sarah Ferguson.

Also absent at the Sandringham gathering was the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, with both Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle not travelling to the UK to celebrate Christmas with the extended royal family.

In the UK the King’s annual Christmas address aired at 3pm local time from London’s Fitzrovia Chapel focusing on those who have suffered during conflict and a focus on healthcare workers.

The 76-year-old King wanted to ensure this year’s message was filmed from a location that had links to healthcare after he and Princess Catherine underwent cancer treatment during the year.