Sarah Ferguson
For the first time in 30 years at the Christmas service in Sandringham
© ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP / Getty Images
This year, the British royal family is sticking to its long-standing traditions and meeting in Sandringham for the Christmas service. However, one change is noticeable: Sarah Ferguson is back for the first time in more than 30 years.
The Royal Family made their way to the annual Christmas service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham on the morning of Christmas Day. For them, it is now the second festival without Queen Elizabeth, †99, who died in September 2022. As the new monarch, King Charles, 75, insists on saying goodbye to some of his mother’s traditions. The sight of a family member walking to church is particularly surprising.
Sarah Ferguson is beaming on the way to Christmas service
Sarah Ferguson, 64, has not attended the British royal family’s Christmas celebrations for more than 30 years – let alone the Christmas Day Service at Sandringham. The morning of December 25, 2023 must have been all the more emotional for her when waiting fans and onlookers suddenly discovered Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, 63, at his side.
Sarah Ferguson on her way to the Christmas service at Sandringham
© Mark Cuthbert/UK Press/Getty Images
She walked with her daughter in a dark green coat with a matching velvet headband and ankle boots and with a bright smile on her lips Princess Beatrice, 35, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 40, as well as other members of the Royal Family to the chapel.
King Charles says goodbye to dusty traditions
It is the first time in over 30 years that the 64-year-old has rejoined the Royals. It is said that she will again be on the guest list for the festivities that the family traditionally spends together at their country estate in Norfolk. After her divorce from Andrew in 1996, Sarah Ferguson was banned from celebrating Christmas with the royal family.
10 pictures
By relaxing the strict traditions, King Charles not only gives his former sister-in-law the best Christmas present, but also makes a big statement in his new role as monarch.
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