Princess Anne misses annual Christmas church service after being ‘struck down with a cold’ 

Almost all of the senior royals today attended the family’s first Christmas gathering at Sandringham since the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

But one notable royal was missing: the late monarch’s only daughter, Princess Anne.

The Princess Royal was forced to miss the family event and was probably getting some rest, after sources said she is suffering from a cold.

The 72-year-old was named the hardest-working royal of 2022 earlier this week after it was revealed that she has made 214 engagements since the start of the year.

Almost the entire royal family turned out today for their first Christmas gathering at Sandringham since the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

But King Charles III’s younger sister did not join her children Zara Tindall, Peter Phillips and the rest of the family for the annual festive service.

The Christmas morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk estate has become a royal tradition, with the late monarch staying there until February 6 most years.

Over the years, the princess royal has rarely been reported as not feeling well and when her husband, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, came down with covid in December last year, the royal did not test positive.

Princess Anne arrived at Windsor Castle last week for the royal Christmas lunch

Lady Louise Windsor and her mother, the Countess of Wessex, attend the Christmas service today.

Prince Andrew talks to the Reverend Canon Dr. Paul Rhys Williams outside the church after the end of the service.

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank pictured walking to the traditional Christmas Day church service

The busy royal is now expected to take a well-deserved break after a difficult year in which she lost her mother.

His absence from another family gathering was also noted by royal observers: the Christmas carol service hosted by Kate, Princess of Wales, which aired on ITV1 last night.

The service, which was registered on December 15, is believed to have collided with a commitment that was already on Anne’s schedule.

The keen horsewoman was attending the London International Horse Show at the ExCel on the day the service was held at Westminster Abbey, meaning she was unable to attend.

Princess Anne has topped the ranking for royal engagements in 2022 so far – more than double the totals for the Queen Consort and Princess of Wales.

Among the members of the royal family who attended today’s annual walk and church service at Sandringham were the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis delighted the crowd as they strolled around the property holding hands with their parents today.

Also present was Anne’s brother, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and his wife Sophie, along with their children.

Peter Phillips was seen at the service with his two daughters (left), while Princess Beatrice also attended with her husband and stepson (right)

King Charles III laughs as he greets the public at Sandringham on Christmas Day, meeting them as a monarch for the first time when he attends Sandringham’s service.

Prince Andrew also attended, along with his daughter Princess Beatrix, her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and stepson Christopher Woolf.

Today’s tour also marked Charles’ first as monarch, taking place ahead of his first Christmas message as King broadcast this afternoon.

Charles and Camilla, the queen consort, are expected to remain at the property throughout the festive period, at least until after the new year.

Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment on the Princess Royal’s absence.