Princess Anne Misses Christmas Day Service at Sandringham Due to Illness

Princess Anne, known for her diligent work within the Royal family, was notably absent from the Christmas Day service at Sandringham this year due to a cold.

Despite being recognized as one of the hardest working Royals, having completed 214 engagements throughout the year, the 72-year-old Princess was unable to attend the church service alongside other members of the Royal family, including King Charles, Camilla, the Queen Consort, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Among those present were her children, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, who were warmly greeted by crowds at the Norfolk estate.

Reports from the Daily Mirror suggest that Princess Anne's absence was indeed due to her battle with a cold.

Following a demanding year filled with engagements and the mourning of her mother's passing, the Princess decided to take a well-deserved break.

Additionally, conflicting schedules prevented her from attending Kate's Westminster Abbey carol service on Christmas Eve, as she was committed to the London International Horse Show on December 15, coinciding with the service.

Meanwhile, the Christmas morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church saw the attendance of the Prince and Princess of Wales' children – George, Charlotte, and Louis, along with Edward and Sophie Wessex, Lady Louise Windsor, James, Viscount Severn, Princess Beatrice, her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and his son Wolfie.

Notably, Prince Andrew, amidst reports of being ousted from Buckingham Palace by King Charles, made a surprising public appearance alongside his youngest daughter, Prince Eugenie.

This year marked the Royal family's first Christmas without the late queen, who passed away in September.

Departing from the tradition of spending the holiday season at Sandringham due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the former monarch had chosen to celebrate the past two Christmases at Windsor Castle instead.

The absence of the late queen cast a somber tone over the festivities, with the Royal family adjusting to the new dynamics in her absence.