Next-Gen royals steal show at Christmas service
The next generation of British royals provided an uber-cute distraction from the family’s usual headline-grabbing tribulations this festive season.
The Wales children won over crowds at the traditional Christmas service at Sandringham, where they gathered with their parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton and relatives.
A stunning series of images, taken by official royal photographers and released a day later on social media, show a relaxed Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.
The two older siblings – George in a suit and Charlotte in a double-breasted fern coat with a velvet collar – happily accepted gifts of teddy bears and flowers from members of the public.
Louis, in festive tartan trousers, and on just his second public walk to Norfolk’s Mary Magdalene Church, adorably held the hand of his nine-yearold cousin, Mia Tindall.
At one point sharing they shared a cheeky giggle as they strolled a couple of metres behind the King and Queen.
After the service, King Charles III released an address thanking the people of Britain and the commonwealth for their support in his coronation year, saying “my heart has been warmed.”
In line with the coronation theme “Called to Serve”, The King’s Christmas address heralded those who serve their communities and those who protect the earth for future generations, dismissing concerns he would deliver a political message about climate change.
“My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of that selfless army of people – volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such distinction – were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for the Coronation earlier this year,” he said.
The address was broadcast across the UK, to the other 14 Realms where he serves as Head of State, and to the countries that make up the commonwealth.