04 January 2024 , 18:28
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Most of the Royal Family were pictured arriving at church for the special Christmas Day service last week, described as a poignant power move by one expert today.
While Prince William and Kate Middleton were present at St Mary Magdalene Church at Sandringham in Norfolk, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not - they spent the big day with their two kids and loved ones in California.
Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew's ex wife, was even in attendance for the service, and so one royal author believes "everyone was welcome" - except the Sussexes.
Phil Dampier, who has been writing about the royals for 26 years, said: "The royals put on a show of unity at Christmas, with even Prince Andrew’s ex-wife Fergie being allowed to walk to church and join them for lunch. The message was clear - everyone was welcome except Harry and Meghan... Harry and Meghan have let it be known that they see 2024 as their year of redemption, to which my reaction is good luck with that."
Sarah Ferguson joined the family for the service for the first time in years (AFP via Getty Images)Speaking to The Sun, Phil said there is no Invictus Games this year, which he calls another blow to 39-year-old Harry and his wife. He believes Meghan, 42, may "relaunch herself with some sort of lifestyle business".
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A source told US Weekly: “Harry and Meghan think 2024 will be the year of redemption" - with Meghan reportedly turning down offers of work "left, right and centre" and Harry also in "extremely high demand".
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent Christmas in California (WireImage)But Phil understands the unity shown by the Royal Family at Sandringham on Christmas Day has a strong significance. Ms Ferguson, 64, attended the service for the first time in years. Ms Ferguson and Andrew's daughters were with their husbands, Princess Beatrice with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Prince Eugenie with Jack Brooksbank.
Prince Louis melted hearts as he sweetly held hands with Mia Tindall as they led the royals on their traditional Christmas Day walk to church at Sandringham last week.
It is the second time Louis has joined the rest of the royals for the service and he rocked tartan trousers as he clutched the hands of his dad Prince William and the oldest daughter of Mike and Zara Tindall. His older sister Princess Charlotte held hands with mum the Princess of Wales, with Prince George walking alongside looking smart in a suit.