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King Charles and Queen Camilla after attending the morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday morning.
 © Geoff Robinson

King Charles puts on a brave face as he attends church at Sandringham

The monarch recently celebrated his 75th birthday alongside Queen Camilla

Diane Shipley
Senior Online Writer
December 3, 2023
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Earlier this week, King Charles made an appearance in Dubai, where he spoke for the first time since the release of controversial new royal book Endgame. 

He is now back in the UK, where, he was spotted attending church at Sandringham in Norfolk on Sunday

The monarch could be seen bundled up in a long tan coat as he wrapped up warm against the cold weather and strolled to the morning's service alongside his wife, Queen Camilla. 

WATCH: King Charles calls for change during opening address at Cop28

The Queen coordinated with her husband, wearing a light brown coat and sporting a scarf and hat in matching shades. While Charles at times appeared deep in thought, Camilla turned and smiled at the camera in between talking to her husband. 

The pair were greeted by Reverend Canon Paul Williams as they made their way to St Mary Magdalene Church. The King's visit comes after the release of Omid Scobie's latest release Endgame, which makes a number of claims about the royal family, including alleging a rift between King Charles and his eldest son, the Prince of Wales

King Charles and Queen Camilla with the Reverend Canon Paul Williams.© Geoff Robinson Photography
The royal couple with the Reverend Canon Paul Williams on Sunday

The book, which was published on Tuesday, looks at the current state of the British monarchy and what it "must change in order to survive".

It claims: "He's [William] not giving his father the same space Charles did with the Queen. There's no time for that." Mr Scobie told The Times in a recent interview: "It would have been nice to see them come together on certain projects perhaps in the early years, to put on that united front, but they’re all working in silos." 

King Charles and Queen Camilla after attending the morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday morning.
 © Geoff Robinson Photography
Queen Camilla was all smiles

HELLO! has reached out to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's representatives. Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace have declined to comment. 

Last weekend, the King made the trip to church on his own, following sad news earlier in the week. The monarch was mourning the sad loss of a family friend: Queen Elizabeth II's loyal companion and former lady-in-waiting, Prudence, Lady Penn.

King Charles and Queen Camilla after attending the morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday morning.
 © Geoff Robinson Photography
The pair wrapped up warm

Lady Penn, also known as Prue, was the widow of Sir Eric Penn, the one-time Comptroller of the Lord Chamberlain's Office. Over the years, when she lived very close to Buckingham Palace, Prue had become a close confidante and family friend of the royals. 

Aside from forming a friendship with Queen Elizabeth II, Lady Penn also enjoyed a close bond with Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother. When Charles became King, she confided to a friend on his Accession: "Have you noticed how our new Sovereign seems to have grown in stature overnight? He looks every inch a king. 

King Charles attended the morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham© Geoff Robinson Photography
The King in Sandringham last week

"I am devoted to him and know that he will take on the mantle with sensitivity, wisdom, and strength." Lady Penn was also appointed LVO in the 2002 demise honours list. She is survived by her two sons and a daughter. 

Sandringham is where the late monarch typically spent her winter break, residing there throughout the festive period before returning to London after the anniversary of her father King George VI's death on 6 February. 

The royal family attend the Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church in 2022© Getty
The royal family attending the Christmas Day service at Sandringham in 2022

Since her death, the King has continued his mother's tradition of spending Christmas at the estate, and attending church with his family on Christmas Day.

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