In a break from tradition, Prince William, Kate, and other members of the royal family will not be attending the annual Christmas Day church service at Sandringham due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to Norfolk police.

This marks the first time in 32 years that the royals will be absent from the service held at St Mary Magdalene Church.

Despite spending the festive break at their country home, Anmer Hall, which is just two miles away from the church, William and Kate have decided to stay away.

Norfolk police made the announcement in an effort to dissuade the public from gathering at the church on Christmas Day.

Typically, thousands of loyal fans gather in the paddock beside the church to catch a glimpse of the Queen and other members of the royal family attending the 11 am service.

However, this year, due to the risk of Covid-19 spreading among crowds, people are being advised to stay away.

The Norfolk police statement emphasized that there will be no organized royal event at Sandringham this year and that members of the royal family will not be attending the usual Christmas Day service.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Queen and Prince Philip would be spending Christmas quietly at Windsor Castle instead of Sandringham.

Despite the changes, the Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church will still take place, as confirmed on the church’s website.

However, there will be strict social distancing measures in place, with a two-meter gap between worshippers and no singing allowed.

Only regular local members of the congregation will be admitted, and they will be required to use hand sanitizer upon entering and leaving the church.

Those who wish to attend are advised to contact the church warden in advance.

Since 1988, the royal family has celebrated Christmas at Sandringham every year, relocating festivities to Norfolk due to Windsor Castle’s rewiring.

Normally, the Queen is driven to the service in her maroon-colored Bentley, while other family members walk a quarter of a mile from Sandringham House to the church.