Cheers and Cheerio: Christmas Morning with the Royal Family

We spent this sunny and warm (it was about 50 degrees Fahrenheit) Christmas morning at Sandringham, the winter home of the Royal Family.

This experience was: amazingly fun, exciting, and had a real sense of civility about it. I could pontificate about what it was like to see the future King and Queen of England, but I'll just offer two thoughts and let you experience the rest through the pictures.

My thoughts:
1. There was something magical about seeing the future King and Queen of England. There was a real sense of historical importance about the occasion. It was amazing to think we were doing what people have done for centuries-- come to meet the Royal Family. It felt nothing like waiting around to see Hollywood Starlets; there was something important about this.
2. We met some of the greatest people at this occasion. I even had to share a hug with a British woman at the end of our time here (her brother in law noted that we were "two peas in a pod.") We had such a great time. Even Adam got into playing the paparazzi (of which he did a great job).
We arrived at Sangdringham to join the crowds. It was noted that there was an exceptional crowd this year (usually it is only one or two people deep at the ropes). The suspected reason for the large crowds: the presence of the Duchess of Cambridge.

Adam & Jaclyn ready to see the Royal Family

The path at Sandringham that runs between the house and the Church.

The Media.

The Security (who were full of tips and stories).

The grounds and the crowds (notice all the pups?)

The Royal Family walked the path from the house to the Estate Church for Christmas Service. The Queen entered from a different direction, riding in a car. The Prince unfortunately spent the morning at Cambridge hospital where he had been admitted for heart trouble.

Prince Andrew, Prince Charles & Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall

The Royal Family

The Newlyweds

Princess Anne

Zara Phillips & Mike Tindall

The church service was broadcast over the crowd. The bystanders were given a list of carols the family would be singing during the service, in case we were interested in following along (Note: no one sang).

Our song sheet

When the family exited the service, they spent time chatting to the crowd. William, Kate, Harry and Prince Andrew were particularly friendly, laughing and taking pictures. Harry offered a kiss to an elderly lady in a wheelchair, getting a cheer from the entire crowd.
The Queen also accepted flowers from the little ones, who presented them one by one (we do not have any pictures of this, as she walked directly to her car from the church).