‘Hardest working royal’ Princess Anne misses annual Christmas service after being ‘struck down by a cold’
- The Royal Family gathered at Sandringham for the annual Christmas service
- One family member who was missing was the “hardest working royal” Princess Anne
- According to sources, the Princess Royal has been struck down by a cold
Almost all the senior royals attended the family’s first Christmas gathering at Sandringham today since the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
But one notable king was missing – the late monarch’s only daughter, Princess Anne.
The Princess Royal was forced to miss the family event and was likely getting some much-needed rest after sources said she was suffering from a cold.
The 72-year-old was named the hardest-working royal of 2022 earlier this week after it was revealed she has made 214 engagements since the start of the year.
Princess Anne had to miss the annual Christmas service at Sandringham today. She was the hardest working queen of 2022 with 214 engagements under her belt (pictured last month)
Almost the entire royal family gathered at Sandringham today for their first Christmas gathering since the death of Queen Elizabeth II
But the younger sister of King Charles III. did not join her children Zara Tindall, Peter Phillips and the rest of the family for the annual festival service.
The Christmas morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk estate has become a royal tradition, with the late monarch staying until February 6 most years.
The Princess Royal has rarely been reported unwell over the years and when her husband, Sir Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, caught Covid in December last year, the royal did not test positive.
Princess Anne arrived at Windsor Castle for the Royal Christmas Lunch last week
Lady Louise Windsor and her mother, the Countess of Wessex, attend today’s Christmas service
Prince Andrew speaks to Rev. Canon Dr. Paul Rhys Williams
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank pictured going to the traditional Christmas Day service
After a difficult year losing her mother, the busy royal is now set to get some well-deserved rest.
Royal observers also noted her absence from another family gathering – Kate, Princess of Wales’ Christmas carol service, which was broadcast on ITV1 last night.
The service, which was taped on December 15, is believed to have clashed with an engagement already on Anne’s schedule.
The keen horsewoman was attending the London International Horse Show at the ExCel on the day the service was held at Westminster Abbey, which meant she was unable to attend.
Princess Anne has topped the list of royal engagements so far in 2022 – more than double the total for the Queen and Princess of Wales
Among the members of the royal family attending today’s annual walkabout and service at Sandringham were the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis delighted the crowd as they strolled around the estate hand in hand with their parents today.
Also present were Anne’s brother, Prince Edward the Earl of Wessex and his wife Sophie, along with their children.
Peter Phillips was seen at the service with his two daughters (left), while Princess Beatrice was also present with her husband and stepson (right).
King Charles III laughs as he welcomes the public to Sandringham on Christmas Day, meeting them for the first time as a monarch as he attends Sandringham church service
Prince Andrew also attended, along with his daughter Princess Beatrice, her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and their stepson Christopher Woolf.
Today’s tour was also Charles’ first as monarch and came ahead of his first Christmas message when King aired this afternoon.
Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, are expected to remain at the estate during the festive period – at least until after the New Year.
Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment on the Princess Royal’s absence.