Royal Christmases at Sandringham - a look back

The King and Queen in 2005 walking from church with Prince William and Peter Phillips. King Charles is wearing a camel coloured coat, his wife Queen Camilla is dressed in a mid-blue coat, and matching navy and blue hat. She wears pearls. Prince William and Peter are wearing dark overcoats. Crowds line the walkway.Image source, Getty Images
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The present King and Queen (pictured at Christmas in 2005 with Prince William and Peter Phillips behind them) are well acquainted with St Mary Magdalene Church at Sandringham

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About 45 members of the Royal Family and guests are expected to gather at Sandringham for Christmas as guests of King Charles III.

The Norfolk estate has been the customary Christmas meeting place for the Royals since 1988.

Here is a look back at some moments from Sandringham's Christmases past.

Members of the family often greet the public after the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church - many of whom return each year for the occasion.

Image source, Getty Images
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Christmas Day 1991 was the last that Diana, Princess of Wales, spent at Sandringham, before separating from her husband the following year

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Elizabeth II's Christmas messages to the nation and Commonwealth were often recorded at Sandringham

Image source, Reuters
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Meghan Markle spent Christmas at Sandringham for the first time in 2017, having become engaged to the Duke of Sussex in the November

Image source, PA
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The late queen, seen here in 2019, would travel by train from London to King's Lynn station in Norfolk, for Christmas, heading onwards to her home in Sandringham by car

Image source, Getty Images
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The church was a picture postcard snowy scene in 1985

Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
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Smiling princesses - Beatrice and Eugenie - were handed gifts on Christmas Day in 1997

Image source, Getty Images
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In 2013, Catherine, Princess of Wales, arrived at the church having given birth to her first son George earlier that year

Image source, Getty Images
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In 2011, Catherine spent her first Christmas in Norfolk following her marriage to Prince William in the April

Image source, Getty Images
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King Charles spent his first Christmas as monarch at Sandringham in 2022

Image source, Getty Images
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Young Lena Tindall, Zara Tindall and the Duchess of York showcased their finest headwear at Christmas last year

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