The Royal Christmas: Prince William and Kate Middleton Attend Church, Baby Prince George Enjoys His Presents

Dec 26, 2014 06:15 PM EST

 

Prince William and Kate Middleton
Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate Duchess of Cambridge are seen after attending the British royal family's traditional Christmas Day church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Dec. 25, 2014. Matt Dunham/AP Photo

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined the royal family for the annual Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church, but left a "noisy" Prince George at home to enjoy his presents.

 

On Christmas morning, the Queen, wearing a bright pink coat and hat, made her way to church along with other members of the royal family including Prince Philip, Prince Harry, Prince Charles, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, and others.

Prince William and the Duchess walked hand in hand from the Sandringham House, where they spent they had spent Christmas morning. The Duchess was dressed in a long brown tweed coat, which showed off her growing baby bump, with a matching brown pillbox hat and gloves. Carole and Mike Middleton, her parents, and siblings Pippa and James also joined the royal family at the annual church service.

Noticeably missing was the Duke and Duchess' son, Prince George, much to the disappointment of a crowd of well-wishers gathered in front of the chapel.

"I'm sorry we didn't bring George but you would have heard him in the church," Kate explained to onlookers with a smile.

Palace officials later added that most children usually attend starting at the ages of 4 or 5, while George is only 17 months.

After lunch, the royals watched the annual TV address by the Queen, in which she paid tribute to the aid workers fighting the Ebola crisis and called Jesus Christ her "inspiration."

"Bringing reconciliation to war or emergency zones is an even harder task, and I have been deeply touched this year by the selflessness of aid workers and medical volunteers who have gone abroad to help victims of conflict or of diseases like Ebola, often at great personal risk," she said.

The Queen continued: "For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the prince of peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life.

"A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing," she said. "Christ's example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none."

Although he didn't appear in public on Christmas Day, Prince George has had an exciting holiday season, recently visiting a Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park. The little boy also enjoyed a trip to see Santa near the family's country home.

Earlier this month, William and Kate revealed three sweet Christmas photographs of George to update the public on his progress and thank the media for respecting the 17-month-old's privacy.