The royal family gathers at Sandringham for Christmas Day celebrations, with Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson absent from the guest list. The exclusion follows Andrew's continued links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, compounded by the recent release of "Epstein files."
The royal family stripped Andrew of his royal titles and banished him from official family duties. He strongly denies any wrongdoing. His ex-wife Sarah Ferguson also remains excluded from the festive gathering at the Norfolk residence.
Kate and Charlotte's piano performance
The celebrations feature a pre-recorded Christmas piano duet by the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte. ITV1 will air the performance on Christmas Eve as part of Kate's "Together at Christmas" concert. The mother-daughter duo performed a piece by Scottish composer Erland Cooper, recorded last week but the performance didn't appear at the live December 5 concert at Westminster Abbey.
The Princess of Wales announced her cancer recovery at the start of 2025, following what Prince William branded a "brutal" year. King Charles also underwent cancer treatment in 2024, using his last Christmas address to pay tribute to doctors and nurses for providing "strength, care and comfort".
New beginnings for the Waleses
The Prince and Princess of Wales recently moved into their eight-bedroom "forever home," Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, just weeks ago. The move marks a fresh start for the family following the challenging year.
Last year's Christmas gathering brought 45 family members "all in one room", according to details previously shared by the Prince of Wales.
Cardinal's message on division
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the outgoing leader of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, will address contemporary tensions in his midnight mass homily at Westminster Cathedral. "We are without composure, often sensing desolation and dismay. Here we find our consolation and reassurance in the Lord", he will tell the congregation. "Every day we face stories of increasing division in our society. Here, in him, he gives us the source and pathway to cohesion and unity in our human family."
The royal family typically walks to church on Christmas morning before enjoying a traditional turkey roast and watching the King's Christmas broadcast.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
