Four generations of the Royal Family gather at Sandringham The Queen shares a warm moment with Kate as the family arrive for the traditional Christmas Day church service Duke and Duchess of Cambridge celebrated the festive season with Kate's parents Carole and Michael last year Prince Harry serving in Afghanistan last Christmas so missed out but has returned from Cape Town to join family Prince George, who is celebrating his first Christmas, did not attend the service but will enjoy the rest of the day Four generations of the Royal Family gathered at the Queen's Sandringham Estate this morning for a traditional Christmas Day church service. Although locals who turned out to greet the family missed out on an appearance from baby Prince George who is celebrating his first Christmas at Sandringham this year. The Duchess of Cambridge shared a friendly greeting with The Queen as they arrived at church this morning. Kate, who was wearing a knee length beige coat teamed with a tartan shawl greeted the monarch, who wore a brown fur coat. The Queen, the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Anne are seen arriving at church on the Sandringham estate In recent years the ceremony, at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk estate, has seen a reduction in royal attendees. Last year the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose to spend Christmas Day with her family in Berkshire, and Prince Harry was serving in Afghanistan. In 2011 Duke of Edinburgh also missed out on the service while recovering from a heart operation. But this year the whole family is expected to enjoy the celebrations in traditional style. The Queen and the Duchess of Cambridge share a warm greeting as they prepare to attend the traditional Christmas Day service on the Sandringham Estate Kate wore a beige knee length coat teamed with black boots and a tartan scarf, The Queen wrapped up warm in a fur coat Prince Philip, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at church this morning for a traditional Christmas Day service Prince Philip and Prince Andrew arrive at church on the Sandringham Estate this morning Princess Eugenie leads Princess Beatrice and other members of the Royal Family in the walk to church this morning This is thought to include Mike and Zara Tindall, who are expecting their first child, the Queen's great grandchild in the new year. Carole and Michael Middleton are also thought to be on the guest list, as is Prince Harry who is due to join his family after a short trip to Cape Town, following his exertions in the Arctic with the charity Walking With the Wounded. In fact the party is thought to be so big, that staff have had to make up rooms in the servants' quarters for some royal guests. (Left) A heavily pregnant Zara Tindall arrives at church with her husband Mike and (right) Princes William and Harry share a chat as they walk to church Prince Harry, who has just returned from a short trip to Cape Town following his charity trek, shares a conversation with his brother William on the way to church The Royal Family take breakfast in the morning before heading to church, their only Christmas Day public appearance. Afterwards they return to the house for a traditional Christmas meal of Norfolk turkey with all the trimmings. At 3pm the royal party gathers to watch the Queen's Christmas message. Kate and William link arms as they follow other members of the Royal Family into church Princess Anne also wore a fur coat to the traditional Christmas service. She is seen here greeting the Duchess of Cambridge Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence walk to church this morning William and Harry and Prince Charles join other members of the Royal Family on their walk to church It is believed that the Queen prefers to watch the message alone, and does not join the guests for that part of the celebrations. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh travelled to Sandringham on Thursday on a scheduled train from Kings Cross to Kings Lynn. Other members of the Royal Family arrived on the same day and are expected to stay until at least Boxing Day. The family are thought to prefer to open their gifts on Christmas Eve. The Count and Countess of Wessex walk to church for the traditional Christmas service Father-to-be Mike Tindall can be seen (far left) walking to church with other members of the Royal Family Princesses Beatrice (far left) and Eugenie (second right) walk to church with other members of the Royal Family