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Prince William took Prince George and Princess Charlotte on a 'dress rehearsal' ahead of Sandringham church visit

Prince William took Prince George and Princess Charlotte on a "dress rehearsal" ahead of Sandringham church visit on Christmas Day [Image: Getty]
Prince William took Prince George and Princess Charlotte on a "dress rehearsal" ahead of Sandringham church visit on Christmas Day [Image: Getty]

Royal fans were delighted when Prince George and Princess Charlotte joined parents Prince William and Kate Middleton for the first time at the service in Sandringham on Christmas Day.

Earlier this week, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s eldest two children happily greeted onlookers after visiting St Mary Magdalene Church on the Queen’s Norfolk estate - and the story behind the smooth performance has now been revealed.

According to the Daily Mail, their 37-year-old father took his six-year-old son and four-year-old daughter on a “dress rehearsal” a few days in advance on the traditional royal family expedition.

William reportedly took the pair to the 16th-century church to familiarise them with the layout and explain how to meet members of the public.

The Duke of Cambridge familiarised is eldest two children with proceedings [Image: Getty]
The Duke of Cambridge familiarised is eldest two children with proceedings [Image: Getty]

READ MORE: Duchess of Cambridge shares previously unseen family photo in Christmas card

On the day itself, following the 11am service, the Cambridge children charmed an estimated 2,000 well-wishers.

However, it was Charlotte in particular who commanded most positive attention - she performed an adorable curtsey for her great-grandmother the Queen, accepted flowers and hugged a woman in a wheelchair.

Kate and her daughter also received praise for their coordinated outfits at the annual event.

The little girl looked festive in a rich £140 bottle green coat by London-based brand, Amaia Kids.

READ MORE: Kate and William's children dominate their most liked Instagram posts of 2019

Her Razorbil coat, from the label’s latest autumn/ winter 2019 collection, is made out of Austrian merino boiled wool.

Meanwhile, the her mum debuted a new grey Catherine Walker coat with fur-trim, which was paired with dark green accessories, including a hat by Lock & Co Hatters, plus heels and clutch bag by Emmy London.

William and George both opted for smart, navy ensembles.

The Duchess of Cambridge coordinated her outfit with her daughter [Image: Getty]
The Duchess of Cambridge coordinated her outfit with her daughter [Image: Getty]

READ MORE: Duchess of Cambridge dresses in festive tartan for lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace

Prince Louis, one, did not join his elder siblings for the service.

Also accompanying the Queen at the Sandringham church were Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, as well as Princess Anne, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

It comes after the Cambridges posed together for their family Christmas card.

The rare photo of the five was shared on Twitter by Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty.

READ MORE: Princess Charlotte and Duchess of Cambridge coordinate Christmas Day ensembles

Kate and William could be seen smiling beside their three children on an old-fashioned motorbike with accompanying sidecar.

The social media user captioned the snap: “A Christmas card from our Royal Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, which I share with all members of the air cadets.

“We send HRH and her family all best wishes for Christmas and hope to see her again in 2020.”

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