Royal family breaks 32-year Christmas tradition amid covid fears

The Queen and other royals will be breaking a 32-year Christmas tradition this year by not attending church at Sandringham on Christmas Day due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Norfolk Police today released a statement confirming "no members" of the royal family will be attending the traditional service at St Mary Magdalene Church.

Prince William and Kate Middleton won't attend despite staying near by at their country home in Anmer Hall.

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Police made the announcement in an effort to stop members of the public from showing up on Christmas Day as the pandemic is seriously affecting the UK currently.

Thousands normally flock to the paddock beside the church to watch the Queen and other members of the family attend the 11am service.

But the risk of spreading Covid-19 this year is far too high right now.

The Norfolk Police statement said: "Members of the public and media are advised there will be no organised royal event at Sandringham this year.

"Members of the Royal Family will not be attending the usual Christmas Day service."

The Queen and Prince Philip will be spending Christmas at Windsor Castle instead of Sandringham this year.

The Sandringham Churches website confirms the Christmas Day service is going ahead at the church, however, there will be two metre social distancing in place and no singing.

It's expected only local members of the church will be admitted.

Normally, the Queen is driven to the service in her Bentley while the other members of the family walk to the church from Sandringham House.

Last year, Prince George and Princess Charlotte attended the service for the first time.

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