Princess Charlotte and Mia Tindall appeared to be the best of friends as they nattered during the royals’ traditional Christmas Day walkabout in Sandringham.
The girls walked closely beside each other in front of an adoring crowd gathered outside St Mary Magdalene Church.
Royal fans took to social media to share their affection for the younger royals. Canellecitadelle shared a photo of Charlotte and Mia and tweeted: “Look at those moments between the cousins: Mia Tindall, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
“I am in love. There is nothing as heartwarming for Christmas than family spending time together. And I am glad the [Waleses] have that warmth and support.”
Belhypotheque wrote: “Sister energy between these two. Lovely.” Fellow X user Lady H commented: “It melts your heart, doesn’t it? They are clearly very close and I bet they get up to some mischief when they are all together. Wonderful memories being made.”
Royal fans were also treated to the sight of Prince William and Princess Kate walking hand in hand with their children Prince George, Charlotte and Louis. Charlotte, eight, was dressed in a forest green overcoat with gold buttons and a black collar.
In another touching moment, Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall’s eldest daughter Mia held hands with Louis, who in turn held his father’s hand.
King Charles and Queen Camilla led the Windsors to church, smiling at well-wishers who had gathered to watch the traditional procession, with many waiting hours to get a prime spot.
Among the group were Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. The Tindalls walked with their younger daughter, Lena.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were joined by their children Lady Louise Windsor and Viscount Severn.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, was also back at the heart of the Royal Family, joining the King and Queen along with her daughers, ex-husband, Prince Andrew and sons-in-law.
The Duchess, who has had a troubled relationship with the monarchy, was pictured smiling and glancing at the waiting media as she walked beside the Duke of York.
It has been decades since Fergie made the short walk from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church with in a tradition normally reserved for close family.
Barbara Locke, 80, from Sleaford, Lincs, has been travelling to Sandringham on Christmas Day for more that 30 years to see the family.
She said of Sarah: “She’s a nice girl. She fits in and I think she’s genuine. She’s lovely and I like seeing her with the Royal Family again. I’m a royalist. I love the royals. I shook the King’s hand. That’s made my day – I’m happy.”
