Royal Family attend Sandringham Christmas Eve church service

King Charles, Queen Camilla, Anne Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence attended a Sunday church service at St Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas Eve. 

Equerry Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Thompson accompanied the group, remaining by the monarch's side as he mingled.

Royal fans Bronte Stewart (left) and Stephanie Abdullah, who have travelled from Washington DC, wait to greet the members of the royal family (Image: PA)

Well-wishers wait to greet the members of the royal family attending the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham (Image: PA)

The King was in particularly warm spirits, waving, smiling and engaging with the people he passed.

Among those he and the other royals met were babies and dogs in festive costumes.

The appearance came a day before other members of the Royal Family join them for the annual Christmas Day service. 

READ MORE: Which Royals are coming to Sandringham for Christmas? 

The King and Queen are expected to be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis for morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church.

People queuing since 4am in Norfolk (Image: PA)

Although Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be notably absent, Queen Camilla's children and grandchildren have been invited to Sandringham for the first time.

Some people have been queuing since 4am on Christmas Day to get a glimpse of the royals as they make their way to church today. 

Sandringham House has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs for more than 160 years, and now belongs to the King.

Alongside these public appearances, the King will directly address the nation in his first Christmas Day speech as a coronated monarch.

For the first time, the speech will be read in front of a living tree, which will be replanted after the broadcast.

His second Christmas message as monarch will be broadcast at 3pm, and this year it was recorded in the Centre Room in Buckingham Palace which leads on to the royal residence’s iconic balcony.

From its branches hang natural and sustainable decorations including hand-turned wood, dried oranges, glass baubles, pine cones and paper.

Charles, like Queen Elizabeth II, writes his Christmas broadcasts and last year he followed his mother’s well-established template, a personal reflection on the year, touching on current issues and with a Christian framework.

Royal Christmases traditionally feature the greeting of people outside the church, and a family lunch with turkey and all the trimmings.

Here is a gallery of photos of the Royals on their way to today's service. 

King Charles III and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence walked in ahead of the women, waving as they passed the public (Image: PA)

Queen Camilla, in black, can be seen walking alongside the Princess Royal (Image: PA)

The King smiled and joked as he approached the church (Image: PA)

All four being introduced before the Sunday service (Image: PA)

The Princess Royal stood out in a statement red jacket and hat (Image: PA)

Meanwhile Queen Camilla opted for an understated black outfit (Image: PA)

The King and Queen left the church together carrying umbrellas and flowers (Image: PA)

Queen Camilla mingled with people waiting outside the church (Image: PA)

While the Queen floated towards babies in the crowd, the King headed over two two dogs dressed as Christmas puddings (Image: PA)