Wills and Kate leave 'very, very loud' Prince George at home
OOPS: Prince George's mum, the Duchess of Cambridge, told crowds the toddler was too noisy to take to the traditional service.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge has apologised for not bringing baby George to the traditional royal service on Sandringham estate, in Norfolk. But, she said, her 17-month-old boisterous bub would be too noisy.
Some 2000 onlookers turned up outside St Mary Magdalene church to see the royals and hopefully George arrive for his first Christmas service.
But, when 8-year-old Maddison Neal, gave Kate a Milky Bar selection box for George, she replied: "I'm sorry we didn't bring George but you would have heard him in the church."
Instead, Kate arrived to church holding hands with her husband, Prince William. The couple were joined by the Queen, her husband Prince Philip, Prince Harry and other members of the Royal Family. Kate's younger sister Pippa, and their parents, Carole and Michael, were also there.
While the 11am service took place George was probably enjoying his Christmas spoils. He was said to be receiving a $10,000 rocking Zebra for Christmas from granny and grandpa Middleton.
After the church service, William and Kate, who is around five months pregnant no doubt collected their "very podgy", "very, very loud" baby and took him to a 2pm lunch at granny Queen's house.
The relaxed royals then retired to their newly renovated pad, Anmer Hall, down the road to get their Christmas fill of Downton Abbey.
When in New York earlier this month, William met the show's producer at a party and revealed their love for the show.
"He said that he was really looking forward to the episode that we run on Christmas Day which is the season finale," executive producer Gareth Neame said at the time.
On Boxing Day, the royals will take part in the annual pheasant shoot. It is believed that Kate's sister Pippa and her brother James may both join the hunt.
Whether or not William will shoot this year is unknown. There is speculation that he won't – aware that being pictured with a gun may lead to accusations of hypocrisy given his conservation work.
After the shoot, the party will continue back at Anmer Hall, where guests can no doubt crash if they have too many champagnes in one of the estates 10 bedrooms.
Fairfax Media