The Duke of York, aged 63, and the Duchess, aged 64, walked behind senior royals during the customary Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk estate. King Charles, accompanied by Camilla, led the group, with the Waleses following closely with their three children: George, 10; Charlotte, eight; and Louis, five.
This marks the first time in over three decades that Fergie has participated in the Christmas walk, following her high-profile divorce from Prince Andrew in 1996. Last year, King Charles extended an invitation for her to join the family at Sandringham, although she didn't attend the church service.
For the second consecutive year, Andrew walked alongside other royals, symbolizing his gradual reintegration within the monarchy. However, the Duke's alleged connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein will face renewed scrutiny in the new year with the release of files from a defamation case, as ruled by a US judge.
Despite the looming scandal, Andrew's presence at the Christmas service indicates a possible ongoing effort at rehabilitation within the royal family. His daughters, Princess Beatrice with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Eugenie with Jack Brooksbank, were also in attendance.
The King, Queen, Princess Royal, and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence attended a Christmas Eve service at the church on Sunday, where they waved to well-wishers.
