and Prince William
Kate Middleton and Prince William are returning to a royal family traditionthis Christmas.
The couple — along with their three children, Prince George, 9, PrincessCharlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 4 — joined King Charles III, Queen Camilla andother members of the royal family in attending the holiday service at Churchof St. Mary Magdalene in Norfolk. Although Prince George and PrincessCharlotte made their Christmas Day debut in 2019, this marked the first timethe entire family of five took part in the holiday walk to church, with PrinceLouis joining in the fun.
While Kate wore a green coat with a statement, Princess Charlotte wore red forthe Christmas outing. Meanwhile, the three men of the family coordinated inblue ensembles — while Prince William and Prince George sported suits withties, Prince Louis wore a navy coat over shorts and knee socks.
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prince william kate family royal christmas 2022
Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte,Prince Louis and Kate Middleton
It marked the return of the traditional royal Christmas outing after thefamily celebrated separately for the past two years amid the COVID-19pandemic.
The outing was also the first Christmas outing for William and Kate, both 40,as the Prince and Princess of Wales. King Charles officially gave the titlesto his eldest son and daughter-in-law just one day after Queen Elizabeth IIdied in September.
King Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 75, previously announced that they wouldhost Christmas at Sandringham, Queen Elizabeth’s beloved country estate inNorfolk, keeping with the family’s longstanding tradition.
kate middleton kids royal christmas 2022
Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince George, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton andPrincess Charlotte
They’ll also keep other traditions, like the Christmas Eve exchange of gaggifts. After church, the royals will gather at Sandringham for a lunch ofroast turkey followed by steamed fruit pudding, before they all sit down towatch King Charles’ first Christmas address at 3 pm
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Kate is also starting a new royal holiday tradition. On Dec. 15, she hostedher second annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, a broadcast ofwhich aired on Christmas Eve. The event was a family affair — Princess Katewalked in with Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, whileKing Charles and Queen Camilla also sat front row for the service.
Kate’s parents and sister also attended, along with many members of the royalfamily.
princess charlotte kate middleton royal christmas 2022
DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images Princess Charlotte and Kate Middleton
The Abbey Choir sang traditional carols alongside performances by guestsincluding Craig David and Les Miserables star Samantha Barks, and a specialduet from opera singer Alfie Boe and Spice Girl Melanie C. Readings weredelivered by speakers including Prince William, Kristin Scott Thomas and_Paddington_ star Hugh Bonneville.
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Of course, Queen Elizabeth’s absence will be heavily felt during the firstChristmas since her death.
The former member of the Queen’s staff tells PEOPLE, “The first year is mostdifficult, as it is always the first of everything that you notice.”
kate middleton royal christmas 2022
DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images Kate Middleton
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Prince William first joined the royal family for their annual Christmas outingat age 5 in 1987, when they celebrated the holiday at Windsor Castle. Sportinga powder blue coat and knee socks, the future monarch waved to photographersas he walked ahead of mom Princess Diana.
Prince William Attends The Christmas Day Service At St Georges Chapel, WindsorCastle
Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Prince William in 1987
Princess Kate made her royal Christmas debut in 2011, months after her springwedding to Prince William.