Royals including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Sandringham church for festive service

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Jacob Jarvis25 December 2018

Members of the Royal family are attending a Sandringham church for this year's Christmas Day service.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is attending for the first time as a member of the royal family and arrived arm in arm with her husband Prince Harry.

Arriving at the event, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Duke and Duchess of Sussex led the way with the Prince of Wales.

Kate and Meghan walked side by side along the path that led to the church and chatted together as they went.

Meghan wore a matching navy dress and coat combination, with a feathered fascinator and boots.

While Kate wore a red coat, with a fascinator in a similar but deeper shade.

Behind the lead group strode Peter Phillips holding the hands of his daughters Savannah and Isla.

The Queen smiles as she arrives for the service
Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

They were followed closely by Princess Beatrice and Peter's wife Autumn Phillips.

Just behind were Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank, married earlier this year, who smiled at the crowds as they walked towards the church.

(Meghan and Prince Harry walked arm in arm REUTERS/Hannah McKay)
REUTERS/Hannah McKay

Towards the back of the group were the Earl and Countess of Wessex with their children.

The Queen arrived in her state limousine alongside the Duke of York.

The Queen arrived with the Duke of York
AP Photo/Frank Augstein

Hundreds of royal fans attended to catch a glimpse of members of the monarchy, many of whom had brought bouquets of flowers or had got in the Christmas spirit by wearing Santa hats

Dozens of well-wishers called out "Merry Christmas" to the royal party as they went by.

The family attend the church each year
AP

The Queen spends the festive period at her estate in Sandringham, Norfolk, each year and her loved ones visit throughout.

Her husband, Prince Phillip, will not be present at the church this year according to a Reuters source, however they said he is in "perfectly good health".

As well as Philip missing the event, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, also did not join the rest of the royals.

The Queen enters the church
Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

She missed an appearance at the Olympia Horse Show last week due to a heavy cold and is believed to be still recovering from the bug.

The service comes ahead of the Queen's speech being broadcast to the nation, which is scheduled for 3pm.

This year she is expected to use her Christmas Day broadcast urge "respect" amid "deeply-held differences", adding that goodwill is "needed as much as ever".

The Queen, 92, will say: "I believe his message of peace on earth and goodwill to all is never out of date. It can be heeded by everyone; it's needed as much as ever.

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