Watch as Prince William is forced to phone protection officer during walkabout

The royal family were out in force on Christmas Day, attending St Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk. It was all smiles for King Charles, Queen Camilla and their family as they headed into the service, but there was one awkward moment. See what happened when Prince William is forced to call his protection officer for wife Princess Kate.

As is usual practice, the royals greet members of the public who have waited outside the church, and spend some time waving, shaking hands and collecting gifts from well-wishers. Princess Kate hung around longer than normal, to ensure everyone was acknowledged, and her husband, who was patiently waiting with his children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis was forced to call back up to hurry his wife along. Watch what happened…

Fans praised Kate for her kindness, wanting to talk to everyone she could. “That’s something Diana would have done” wrote one on X, formerly known as Twitter. “People’s princess” declared another and a third penned: “So royal and not just in a title but as a true, caring person.”

There were sweet moments for the kids too as Charlotte was seen taking a selfie and Louis was seen accepting several chocolates!

There are several royal protocols governing whether members of the royal family are allowed to accept gifts, but thankfully the children will be able to keep all of the chocolates and plush toys they were handed.

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HELLO! understands that the Queen’s children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, also joined the service with their respective children, but arrived privately.

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What’s in store for the Wales family in 2025?

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After a very difficult year with Princess Kate’s cancer treatment, the whole family will no doubt be looking forward to starting afresh in the New Year. They have an exciting celebration approaching with Kate’s mother Carole Middleton turning 70 on the 31 January.

Carole’s home of Bucklebury Manor is relatively close to where the Wales family live in Windsor so local celebrations could be on the cards.

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Kate’s brother James and sister Pippa also live nearby with their respective families.

James, 37, lives with his wife Alizée Thevenet, 35, a French financial analyst and their baby son Inigo. They also have a clan of beloved doggies who often feature on James’ Instagram feed.

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Pippa, 41, resides with her husband James Matthews and their three children; Arthur, five, Grace, three, and one-year-old Rose. The family acquired their £15 million, 150-acre estate in Berkshire in 2022 but they keep their personal lives very private and no photos have been released.