Sarah and Andrew were notably absent from Norfolk, where King Charles and Queen Camilla led many royals on a short walk between Sandringham House and St Mary Magdalene Church to attend the Christmas Day service.

The royals then took part in a walkabout, which saw Princess Kate and Prince Louis in particular being showered with presents, flower bouquets and kind words.

Prince Andrew’s absence from Norfolk came after his links with an alleged Chinese spy came to light.

The Duke of York reportedly decided to spend Christmas privately with his ex-wife at the Royal Lodge after the reports emerged earlier this month.

The royal pair did not reportedly spend the festive day with their doting daughters either, as Princess Beatrice was in Norfolk with the King, while Princess Eugenie is believed to have stayed with her husband Jack Brooksbank’s family.

Prince Andrew only made two public appearances with the Royal Family this year – in February, he was among the royals who attended a memorial service for Constantine of Greece at St George’s Chapel, while in April he attended Easter Sunday service in Windsor.