Hello and welcome to our live coverage as Britons wake up on Christmas Day.
We’ll be following the Royal Family’s movements today, as well as Christmas messages from the Church and notable figures.
The King and Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales are at Sandringham and will attend a Christmas service this morning – but Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson will not join the rest of the family.
We’ll also bring across the King’s speech at 3pm.
Prince Andrew will not join Royal Family for Christmas after Chinese ‘spy’ named
Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson will not join the rest of the Royal Family for Christmas at Sandringham, Sky News revealed last week.
It comes after an alleged Chinese spy with links to the Duke of York was publicly named for the first time as High Court restrictions were lifted on Monday afternoon.
Yang Tengbo, previously described as a “close confidant” of the royal, had been known only as “H6” after a court imposed an anonymity order.
Prince Andrew has said he “ceased all contact” with the Chinese businessman.
Prince Andrew has been at Sandringham for Christmas for the past two years. The year before, the late Queen cancelled her traditional visit to the Norfolk estate to remain at Windsor Castle.
The duke also joined other members of the Royal Family at Sandringham in 2019 in what was then his first public appearance since stepping down from official royal duties over his friendship with convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.
Last year, Prince Andrew was seen walking alongside the other royals to church for the family’s Christmas service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham.
Some key times to keep an eye on today
9am – The Serpentine Swim
The annual Serpentine Swimming Club’s Christmas Day race will be held in Hyde Park.
The 100-yard race has been held every year since 1864 – making today the 160th anniversary.
Swimmers will be competing for the Peter Pan Cup.
10.50am – Pope Francis message
The Pope will deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” message and blessing from St Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
11am – Royals attend Christmas service
The King and Queen, accompanied by members of the Royal Family, will attend St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham for the Christmas Day morning service.
The family will arrive ahead of the ceremony at 11am, and we’re expecting proceedings to wrap up by 12pm.
11am – Archbishop of York holds service
At the same time, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, will deliver the Festal Eucharist at York Minster cathedral.
3pm – The King’s speech
The King delivers his 2024 Christmas message from Fitzrovia Chapel in central London.
Royal fans waiting at Sandringham – one since 7.30pm last night
Royal fans are queuing up at Sandringham to catch a glimpse of the Royal Family as they make their way to church.
Ghislaine Cseh and her family brought sleeping bags and set up camp at the front of the line, having left their home in Bromley, London, at midnight and arriving on the royal estate at 3am.
But the very first person to arrive at Sandringham was royal super fan John Loughrey.
He’s been queuing since 7.30pm on Christmas Eve.
He told us he can’t believe he’s spent a night in a camping chair, but wanted to make sure he nabbed the best spot.
Leave a Reply