Robert Hardman
PRINCE William and Prince Harry made a smiling and confident public appearance yesterday as they faced their first Christmas since the death of their mother.
Together with the Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal Family, they paused to talk to well-wishers in a large crowd as they walked to and from the church in Sandringham, Norfolk. Diana, Princess of Wales had been christened at the Church of St Mary Magdalene and yesterday her sons heard Canon George Hall say prayers for her there.
"We thank God for those whom we love but see no more, Diana, Princess of Wales and all loved ones who have departed this life," he told a congregation which included most of the Royal Family. While the Queen, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret travelled to church by car, the rest of the family, led by Prince Philip, went on foot.
Prince Harry, 13, braved the elements without a coat and walked alongside his father. Prince William, 15, chatted to his 20-year-old cousin, Peter Phillips. The Duke of York walked with his daughters, Princess Beatrice, nine, and Princess Eugenie, seven. The Duchess did not join the main party but is spending Christmas with her daughters at nearby Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate. The Queen is expected to visit her privately today.
Also in the royal party yesterday were Prince Edward, the Princess Royal and her husband Captain Timothy Laurence, her daughter, Zara Phillips, Viscountess Linley, Lady Sarah Chatto and her husband Daniel, an artist. Viscount Linley, though believed to be at Sandringham, did not attend church.
After the service, the Queen and Queen Mother, assisted by the young Princesses, received flowers from an informal procession of local children. The young Princes and their father went on a walkabout. Many members of the public had brought Christmas presents for the boys, who thanked them for their kindness.
In many ways, yesterday was a replica of the Sandringham Christmas of recent years. It was three years since the Princess of Wales had last attended church on Christmas Day with the rest of the Royal Family. But her death had put yesterday's crowd in sombre mood.
"Christmas is always an emotional time when somebody has died," said one woman. It was, however, a day of personal celebration for other members of the Royal Family. Elsewhere, Princess Alexandra was enjoying her 61st birthday, while Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, turned 96.
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