It’s a crisp Christmas morning at Sandringham, and the royal family gathers for their cherished tradition—the walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church. King Charles III and Queen Camilla lead the procession, followed closely by Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and their children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and the ever-spirited Prince Louis.
In a world often dominated by spectacle, this moment feels refreshingly genuine. But this isn’t just another royal stroll—it’s a lesson in understated elegance, genuine joy, and embracing life’s milestones with dignity and style.
In previous years, eagle-eyed royal fans have noticed certain family members, including Lady Louise Windsor and Princess Anne, wearing identical scarves during the iconic walk. These scarves are believed to be thoughtful gifts from King Charles himself. This year, it’s possible we’ll see the scarves again, as there’s a touching reason behind the matching accessory.
This year, the spotlight shone brightly on Lady Louise Windsor and the royal family as a whole. There was no flashy posturing or attention-seeking antics—just a happy family enjoying the moment. However, one notable absence was Louise’s boyfriend, Felix D’Silva Clamp, who chose not to join the royal family for Christmas at Sandringham. His absence has sparked curiosity among royal watchers, especially given past instances of non-married partners attending holiday festivities.
During the Christmas Day outing, Lady Louise, who is incredibly close to her mother, was spotted sharing a heart-to-heart moment with Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. The Duchess was seen placing a protective arm around her daughter’s waist, leaning in to chat as they climbed the steps to the church.
The 21-year-old royal, who is 16th in line to the throne, has been dating fellow University of St Andrews student Felix for over two years. While his absence from the festivities left some questions about the young couple’s future holiday traditions, their relationship is reportedly strong and supportive.
The couple first connected through their involvement in a student-written play performed at the university’s theater. Their relationship has grown steadily, with Felix making a special trip to Sandringham earlier this year to support Louise during her carriage-driving competition, where she earned a silver medal.
Felix, the son of a solicitor, works part-time at an ice cream parlor while studying in Scotland. Louise, known for her relatability, once worked at a garden center. The royal celebrated her 21st birthday on November 8 this year and continues to be praised for her grounded nature.
“What’s not to like about Lady Louise?” asked former royal correspondent Jenny Bond. “She has overcome a great deal and is now blossoming into a beautiful 21-year-old, enjoying life at St Andrews like any other undergraduate.” Louise is studying English and has reportedly taken to the stage in university productions, following in her father’s footsteps in some ways.
The visit to Sandringham also offered an opportunity for Felix to bond with Louise’s family, including her parents, Prince Edward and the Duchess of Edinburgh. Sophie, who is regularly seen supporting her daughter during competitions and training, once delighted her family with her playful side during a drinking game at the Sandringham Horse Driving Trials in July.
On Christmas Day, Sophie looked radiant in a cornflower blue coat dress by Emilia Wickstead, paired with a navy veiled Jane Taylor hat, tan boots from Reiss, and a mint crossbody bag from Strathberry. Her daughter Louise complemented her mother’s elegant style by borrowing Sophie’s dove gray Jane Taylor beret-style hat. Louise paired it with a camel coat, a burgundy dress, and nude ankle-strap heels, showcasing her own budding fashion sense.
This isn’t the first time Sophie has shown her supportive nature. In November, she stood side by side with the Princess of Wales during the Remembrance Day service, a testament to her strength and unity within the royal family.
