The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Kate and William, and their children George and Charlotte did not attend the traditional royal family Christmas church service near Sandringham – instead opting for a local church closer to her family.
It is only the second time since the Cambridges' wedding in 2011 that they have not attended, the BBC reported.
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Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the Christmas church service at Englefield church, Berkshire, choosing to spend time with members of the Middleton family.
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Will and Kate break protocol for Christmas
Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the Christmas church service at Englefield church, Berkshire, choosing to spend time with members of the Middleton family.
Typically the entire royal family attends church at St Mary Magdalene near Queen Elizabeth's Sandringham estate and William and Kate's country home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, the BBC reported.
But in a break from tradition, William and Kate chose to celebrate Christmas with her parents, Michael and Carol Middleton, at their home in the village of Bucklebury, Berkshire, about 270 kilometres from the Sandringham estate.
As such they attended a morning service at St Mark's Church in Englefield, Berkshire, bringing along their two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
They were joined by Kate's parents and brother, James, as well as her sister, Pippa Middleton, and her fiance James Matthews.
For Prince George and Princess Charlotte, it was their first Christmas service as children do not attend the royal church service.
Photos captured Princess Kate carrying her three-year-old daughter while Prince George stood sucking on a candy cane while his father spoke to the local priest.
Royal watchers would have been disappointed with the official service at St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham, with Queen Elizabeth also missing out as she continues to fight off a heavy cold.
The monarch has attended the service every year since the family started celebrating Christmas there in 1988.
Fairfax Media