Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesPrince George won't remember his first Christmas, but he enjoyed a memorable and "lovely" day with his family at Sandringham. Four generations of royals gathered for the celebrations at Queen Elizabeth II's Norfolk estate.
Prince William and Kate Middleton braved the cold temperatures and held hands as they made their way to the annual Christmas service at St. Mary Magdalene Church. The little royal did not attend, but rather stayed warm inside with a nanny.
The Duchess of Cambridge looked elegant in a tartan Alexander McQueen coat and a hat by Gina Foster as she smiled and waved to the 3,000 well-wishers. The Duke of Cambridge wore a suit with a red tie and a long black coat.
The service, which was held at 11 a.m. and conducted by the rector of Sandringham Jonathan Riviere, opened with a rendition of "Christians, Awake" followed by "Once In Royal David's City."
As the family departed the church, Kate accepted bouquets of flowers from children and spoke about her morning with Prince George opening gifts.
"She told me he was having a lovely day but was more interested in the wrapping paper than the presents," Cicley Howard, 75, from Great Yarmouth, revealed to reporters after chatting with Kate.
The 31-year-old proud papa told the crowd that they had a "good morning" with their son and "can't wait until next year when he's bigger."
Prince Harry, still with his beard from his South Pole expedition, went to the service alone despite rumors that his girlfriend, Cressida Bonas, might have joined him.
Also in attendance were the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, Prince Andrew, Zara Phillips and husband Mike Tindall, Prince Edward and wife Sophie, and their daughter Lady Louise.
The family also attended a private service earlier in the morning and Kate was photographed curtseying to the Queen.