The royal family's 2023 in photos: Fergie joins royal family at Sandringham for first time in decades

2023 marks the first year for the royals after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

From Harry's tell-all memoir to King Charles III beginning his reign, here's a collection of photos from the lives of the UK royals.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla have led the family in the annual Christmas morning tradition for the second time, as they walked down the path of the Sandringham Estate to the church.

They walked passed approximately 2000 people this year, who had gathered to get a glimpse of the royals.

But all eyes were on the festively dress Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York who joined the royal family for the first time in over 30 years for the outing.

The 64-year-old joined her ex-husband Prince Andrew (far left) and daughters Princess Beatrice and Prince Eugenie, along with their husbands.

It appears Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi did not bring his son Woolfie to church this year. The seven-year-old made his Sandringham debut last year, while their daughter Sienna is still too young to attend.

Behind them are the late Princess Margaret's grandchildren, Arthur Chatto and Samuel Chatto, who also joined in the extended family gathering this year.

Sarah, Duchess of York even got in on the walkabout action, collecting flowers and gifts for the royal family before the all made their way back to Sandringham.

Fergie, as she's affectionately known, shared an old photo with her daughters, on social media and told fans: "We are enjoying each other's company and feeling grateful today.

"I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Happy Christmas to anyone who celebrates and season's greetings to all!"

The 64-year-old battled breast cancer earlier this year.

As did Prince Andrew, perhaps a little unexpectedly for the well-wishers gathered.

The Duke of York was seen greeting the Norfolk locals and shaking hands.

The Prince and Princess of Wales walked alongside their three kids Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to St Mary Magdalene Church, on the royal family's Norfolk estate.

Cousin Mia Tindall (far right) also walked alongside the Wales', ahead of her parents and younger sister.

Unlike previous years the Wales family didn't colour co-ordinate their ensembles.

However, the family did release a new photo of George, Charlotte and Louis in matching white shirts and jeans as a Christmas Day treat for fans.

The Wales family spoke to locals on their Christmas morning walkabout, with all the kids taking part for the second time.

Mia Tindall (second right) - the older daughter of Mike and Zara Tindall - even got involved, helping the Princess of Wales collect bouquets of flowers from the crowd.

King Charles III poses during the recording of his Christmas message at Buckingham Palace earlier this month.

His Majesty The King's Christmas message will be broadcast on Christmas Day.

The message was filmed in the Centre Room at Buckingham Palace, located in the East Wing, opens onto the Buckingham Palace balcony and overlooks The Victoria Memorial and The Mall.

It's the second year the King has recorded the message, after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

For the first time a real Christmas tree features in the photo.

Harry and Meghan have quietly released their Christmas Card for 2023.

Mere hours after the Duke of Sussex, won his historic phone hacking lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers, he and the Duchess of Sussex's Archewell organisation quietly sent out an email with the card to their subscribers.

"We wish you a very happy holiday season. Thanks for all the support in 2023!", the virtual greeting said.

The photo chosen by Harry and Meghan was taken at the 2023 Invictus Games' closing ceremony - another highlight in an otherwise turbulent year for the ex-Royals.

The couple's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, were notably absent from the card.

Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales have released a glamorous black and white image for their Christmas Card.

The family poses in a studio shot with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

But there was one detail in the Christmas card that had keen-eyed viewers confused.

Eagle-eyed fans spotted a bizarre detail in the shot that some are calling an "optical illusion".

In the black and white photo, Prince Louis poses with his left hand resting on the arm of a chair where his elder sister Princess Charlotte sits.

Upon closer inspection, it looks like he's missing a finger, as a clear gap is visible in the centre of his hand.

Because his thumb is out of sight, it appears that he only has four fingers with one "missing" in the middle – but it's just a trick of the angle and the placement of his hand.

The Princess of Wales, all in white, leads Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at her Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey in London, England.

Spearheaded by the Princess and supported by The Royal Foundation, the annual service aims bring people together at Christmas and recognise those who have helped others.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis stand together holding candles at their mother's special event.

Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales dressed in their royal finery to host The Diplomatic Reception in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace.

The annual event is held for 500 members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Meanwhile it was announced this week that the King and Queen plan to visit Australia in 2024.

The Princess of Wales wore her favourite tiara, the Lover's Knot.

It was often worn by her late mother in law, Princess Diana.

She teamed the headpiece with a pale pink glittering gown by Jenny Packham and the blue sash of the Royal Victorian Order and the Royal Family Order.

The royals were hit by claims of racism this week amid the release of a book about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, called Endgame by Omid Scobie.

They have not commented on the claims.

The Duchess also wore the Greville Chandelier earrings – a wedding gift given to the late Queen Elizabeth by her parents.

Earlier in the day the Princess Of Wales beamed as she opened Evelina London's new children's day surgery unit.

It was also a busy day for King Charles III. He was with Archbishop Angaelos at an Advent Service and Christmas Reception at The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre UK in Stevenage.

After the Service, the King met volunteers, unveiled a plaque and planted a tree.

Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales share a laugh with singer Paloma Faith during the annual concert, Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Prince William and Kate Princess of Wales at the State Banquet for President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee at Buckingham Palace.

The Princes wore the Strathmore Rose tiara, which was owned by the Queen Mother, with a Jenny Packham dress

The Princess of Wales wears a lavish red hat and cape by designer Catherine Walker & Co at the ceremonial welcome for The President and the First Lady of the Republic of Korea at Horse Guards Parade.

King Charles is hosting Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife on the three day state visit.

It is only the second visit hosted by the King during his reign.