The King and Queen marked the end of their coronation year by attending the final Sunday service of 2023 at Sandringham yesterday.
Charles and Camilla led worshippers at St Mary Magdalene on the Norfolk estate, where the royals have enjoyed Christmas.
The couple wrapped up in thick coats against the bitter cold and were seen beaming as they greeted well-wishers outside the church.
Camilla, 76, looked radiant in a light blue woollen coat, matching hat, heeled suede boots and leather gloves.
The King, 75, wore an ankle-length tweed overcoat, blue trousers and brown brogues.
Among those who joined the couple was Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot.
The Christmas holiday at Sandringham is particularly poignant for Charles as it was the favourite home of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
She famously hosted every Christmas at the estate since 1998 and enjoyed attending services at the chapel on the Sandringham grounds.
The longest-reigning monarch was a stickler for tradition and enjoyed spreading joy to her family and staff.
One of the favourite traditions was hosting a game of “lucky dip” on New Year’s Eve, where players would pluck pieces of paper from a tub filled with sawdust on which were written predictions for the year.
New Year’s Day would be spent horse riding and pheasant shooting.
Absent yesterday were the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, George, Charlotte and Louis.
They are all thought to be spending New Year with Kate’s parents at Bucklebury Manor in Berkshire.
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, who have not been part of family celebrations since quitting Royal life in 2020, rang in 2024 from their mansion home in California.
Yesterday’s morning service was one of quiet reflection for the monarch as he contemplates his first full year as sovereign.
Experts have said Charles is aware he is seen as a bridge between his late mother and his eldest son, whose time as sovereign is likely to come at a pivotal time for the monarchy.
