Prince William and Princess Catherine Steal the Spotlight at Royal Christmas Service
Prince William and Princess Catherine took center stage this year, joining King Charles and Queen Camilla at the annual Christmas Day service at Sandringham. Both Camilla and Catherine made a statement with their coordinated festive fashion, both stunning in shades of green, a style choice that directly addressed recent speculations about the two. It's rare to see the Princess of Wales and the Queen match so perfectly, as they usually opt for different hues during public events.
This year’s appearance was especially significant for Catherine, who had a limited number of public appearances after her courageous battle with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. The coordinated green moment with Camilla wasn’t just a festive coincidence; it was a carefully planned show of royal unity. The royal family is known for carefully curating their outfits for key events, and this coordinated look was an example of their solidarity.
Every year, the Princess of Wales takes extra care in her festive attire, and 2024 was no different. Known for donning rich seasonal shades like burgundy and forest green, Catherine’s look this Christmas held a quiet strength, particularly poignant given her recent health challenges. For the traditional service, she wore an emerald green tailored coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Her ensemble was completed with a matching bow-adorned hat and a green and blue tartan scarf.
Her outfit struck the perfect balance between festive and formal, and it also paid tribute to Scotland’s rich cultural heritage. Scottish tartan has long been a traditional element of royal fashion, and the black watch tartan holds a special place in history. Catherine’s decision to incorporate this tartan was deeply symbolic, with its historical connections to bravery and resilience mirroring her personal journey. She accessorized with black suede boots, adding a modern, fashion-forward twist to her look.
Looking ahead, Catherine’s festive wardrobe will likely continue to be a blend of elegance, practicality, and subtle nods to tradition. In 2024, she may lean toward timeless tailoring, perhaps opting for a jewel-toned coat dress in emerald green or sapphire blue, paired with gold accents for a touch of festive sparkle. Alternatively, Catherine might surprise us with a winter-white ensemble, complete with statement accessories like a structured hat or eye-catching earrings. Given her penchant for sustainable fashion, it wouldn’t be surprising if she re-wears a beloved piece, styled with a modern twist.
Catherine wasn’t the only royal turning heads this Christmas. The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, was equally chic in a cornflower blue coat, while Zara Tindall chose a burgundy outfit to mark the occasion. Princess Beatrice also showcased her stylish side, sporting a camel coat from the Neta Porter for The King’s Foundation collection. Princess Charlotte, the Princess of Wales’s daughter, was a picture of elegance in a green and navy checked coat that beautifully coordinated with her mother.
The Christmas Day gathering also brought together senior royals, including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, with their children, Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Mike and Zara Tindall with their daughters, and Peter Phillips with his children.
After the service, the royal family continued their celebrations indoors, where King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted the traditional Christmas turkey feast at Sandringham House. However, noticeably missing from the festivities were the Duke of York and his former wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, who stayed behind at Royal Lodge in Windsor. This absence comes amid ongoing controversy regarding Prince Andrew’s alleged ties to a Chinese spy.
The day’s celebrations will conclude with the highly anticipated airing of King Charles’s pre-recorded Christmas speech at 3:00 PM, marking his second holiday address as monarch.
