As King Charles and the royal family made their way to Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham for the traditional Christmas service, the scene reflected a quieter moment in royal history.

In decades past, the streets would have been filled with thousands of well-wishers, waving and cheering simply to catch a glimpse of the British royal family.

This year, the crowds were noticeably sparse.

Amid the Christmas celebrations, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, the daughters of Prince Andrew, joined the royal family and walked alongside the King and other senior royals.

The holiday gatherings have drawn public attention in recent weeks following Prince Andrew’s final exclusion from royal duties.

Despite his absence, the King extended an invitation to his daughters to take part in the family’s Christmas celebrations.

Although earlier reports suggested that Princess Beatrice might spend Christmas with friends to avoid choosing between her parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, and the wider royal family led by King Charles, the traditional Christmas procession to Sandringham Church told a different story.

Beatrice and Eugenie, accompanied by their husbands, were seen joining King Charles and the rest of the royal family as they walked together to the service.