Princess Charlotte, Kate Middleton, Prince George and Prince William.Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImage
Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamare returning to a royal family tradition this Christmas.
The couple — along with their three children,Prince George, 9,Princess Charlotte, 7, andPrince Louis, 4 — joined King Charles III, Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family in attending theholiday serviceat Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Norfolk. Although Prince George and Princess Charlotte made their Christmas Day debut in 2019, this marked the first time the entire family of five took part in the holiday walk to church, withPrince Louis joining in the fun.
While Kate wore a green coat with a statement,Princess Charlottewore red for the Christmas outing. Meanwhile, the three men of the family coordinated in blue ensembles — whilePrince WilliamandPrince Georgesported suits with ties,Prince Louiswore a navy coat over shorts and knee socks.
Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Kate Middleton.Samir Hussein/WireImage
It marked the return of the traditional royal Christmas outing after the family celebrated separately for the past two years amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The outing was also the first Christmas outing for William and Kate, both 40, as the Prince and Princess of Wales. King Charles officiallygave the titlesto his eldest son and daughter-in-law just one day afterQueen ElizabethII died in September.
King Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 75, previously announced that they wouldhost ChristmasatSandringham,Queen Elizabeth’s beloved country estate in Norfolk, keeping with the family’s longstanding tradition.
Prince George, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Kate is also starting a new royal holiday tradition. On Dec. 15, shehosted her second annual Christmas carol concertat Westminster Abbey, a broadcast of which aired on Christmas Eve. The event was a family affair — Princess Kate walked in withPrince William,Prince GeorgeandPrincess Charlotte, while King Charles and Queen Camilla also sat front row for the service.
Kate’s parents and sister also attended, along with many members of the royal family.
Princess Charlotte and Kate Middleton.DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images
Of course,Queen Elizabeth’s absence will be heavily felt during the first Christmas since her death.
The former member of the Queen’s staff tells PEOPLE, “The first year is most difficult, as it is always the first of everything that you notice.”
Kate Middleton.DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images
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Prince Williamfirst joined the royal family for their annual Christmas outingat age 5 in 1987, when they celebrated the holiday at Windsor Castle. Sporting a powder blue coat and knee socks, the future monarch waved to photographers as he walked ahead of mom Princess Diana.
Prince William in 1987.Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty
Princess Kate made her royal Christmas debut in 2011, months after her spring wedding toPrince William.
source: people.com
