Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family have met with cheering crowds while attending a Christmas church service in Sandringham.

The 92-year-old Queen arrived by car while the younger Royals walked from her country house to St Mary Magdalene Church.

Prince Philip, who is 97 and largely retired from public life, did not attend the church service but a royal source told Reuters he is in good health and just wanted to spend the day in private.

Hundreds of people stood waiting at the church as Prince Charles led the way, followed by his sons: Prince William and his wife Catherine and Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, who is expecting their first child in the spring.

Prince Charles’ wife Camilla, who is recovering from the flu, also missed the service along with Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex’s mother Doria Ragland.

Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Sussex were seen talking and smiling as they made their way over from Sandringham House despite their relationship being the subject of media reports of a rift.

The Royal family then went on to attend a 45-minute service, before receiving flowers and mingling with the waiting crowd ahead of a traditional Christmas lunch.