This is the heartwarming moment Prince William told a young fan not to give Prince Louis Christmas chocolates, but to ‘keep them for yourself’ instead.
The Prince of Wales, 42, officially stepped into father mode as he greeted friendly well wishers following the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk estate.
He attended the special annual mass at Sandringham with his wife, the Princess of Wales, 42, and their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine and Prince Louis, six.
The doting father had his work cut out for him as he fended off endless gifts such as Cadbury chocolates, stuffed animals and flower bouquets, having collected as many as the family could humanly carry.
His parenting tactic was firm but kind, and exhibited his loving bond with his children.
In a sweet video seen on X, Prince Louis looked visibly excited by the presents he received from members of the public – as did his older brother George, who appeared to carry a large blue stuffed teddy bear and a sizeable box of chocolates in one hand.
The trio – all suavely dressed in crisp white shirts, formal ties and navy blue dress coats – were also joined by their sister Charlotte, who had also gathered some gifts of her own, including a pretty bouquet of flowers and chocolates.
As they continued to move along, the enthusiastic crowd offered even more sweet treats, as well as hand written notes and handshakes, the latter of which the future king appeared happy to oblige.
This is the heartwarming moment Prince William told a young fan not to give Prince Louis Christmas chocolates, but to ‘keep them for yourself’ instead (Pictured: Prince William with his sons; princes George and Louis after Church service on Christmas Day in Sandringham)
However William put his foot down when it came to the chocolates, declining two fans who tried to hand Louis even more goodies.
‘No, no, you can’t give all the chocolates! Definitely not. You’ve got to keep them for yourself as well’ said William with a charming smile.
Up until this point, Louis was stood behind his father – who himself was clutching a Disney stuffed toy and book – and moved forward in an apparent attempt to collect even more gifts.
But after hearing his father’s commands, the obedient prince stopped mid step and heeded instructions by placing his hand by his sides and staying put.
Prince William, ensuring he didn’t leave fans broken hearted, left them with sweet wishes before departing with his family.
‘Merry Christmas!’ he said. ‘Have a lovely day!’
It appears the William was looking out for his son’s health – as he is pictured here with quite a large chocolate haul
The Prince of Wales, 42, pictured, officially stepped into father mode as he greeted friendly well wishers
The festive walkabout forms part of an annual custom adhered to by the Royal Family, and takes place after Church service on Christmas day; this time, senior members, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, greeted well wishers – laden with gifts – who began arriving outside the Church.
In a sweet video from Christmas morning, a very happy Louis had his hands full of gifts before another well-wisher offered him a Father Christmas headband.
The young prince accepted the headband, politely thanked the person who gifted it and returned to his father and siblings.
Prince William, who was himself greeting well-wishers with enthusiasm, appeared amused by his youngest son’s haul and said: ‘You’ve got that as well’.
But when the family started to move along the path, Louis appeared to struggle to keep hold of everything he had received.
At that point, he returned to his father and sweetly asked: ‘Papa, can you carry some?’
Princess Charlotte and Prince George also graciously accepted their presents, as they waved to the crowds while standing alongside their father, Prince William.
George, who will start secondary school next year, was twinning with his father, Prince William in a navy coat and matching trousers, while his younger sister wore a dark green coat that was almost identical to Kate’s Alexander McQueen number.
He politely declined the extra chocolates and wished the givers a ‘Merry Christmas’ before departing with his family
Princess Charlotte and Prince George also graciously accepted their presents, as they waved to the crowds while standing alongside their father, Prince William
Prince Louis couldn’t contain his excitement as he collected all his Christmas gifts from well-wishers
Kate, meanwhile, stole the show as the future Queen exchanged warm hugs with royal fans, who appeared joyous at her return to Sandringham following what has been a particularly turbulent year for the Royals.
The Waleses looked picture perfect as they arrived at Sandringham on Christmas morning, with Charlotte holding on to her father’s hand.
Prince George, 11, walked confidently ahead of his siblings, while his younger brother Prince Louis refused to let go of Kate’s hand.
All eyes were on Kate as she looked as chic as ever, bearing no indication of the challenging year behind her and her father-in-law, 76, who was also diagnosed with cancer, for which he is still undergoing treatment.
Charlotte also accessorised with a matching velvet bow.
Meanwhile, Prince Louis was dressed smartly, with the six-year-old wearing a coat, trousers, and a white shirt just like his elder brother.
Kate was a sight to behold alongside Prince William, their three children, King Charles and other members of the Royal Family.
Her presence at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk Estate was revered and perhaps unanticipated following a painfully gruelling year for the Princess, who stunned the world with a shock cancer diagnosis in March 2024.
Prince George, Prince Charlotte and Prince Louis at Sandringham. Charlotte received a pretty bouquet of flowers amongst other gifts
George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six, accompanied the Prince and Princess of Wales to St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk Estate for the traditional outing
Picture perfect! The Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children, Prince Louis, six, and Princess Charlotte, with Prince George, 11, watching over his younger siblings
The Princess underwent major abdominal surgery in hospital, after which doctors broke the news that they had found evidence of cancer and advised her to undergo treatment immediately.
The princess dazzled in a forest green Alexander McQueen coat that she previously wore during a visit to Leeds in 2023.
Her silky brunette locks were styled in a classic blow dry while her make-up was simple for the daytime event.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and their two children Archie and Lilibet remain in Montecito, California.
She walked past well-wishers who were visibly elated to catch a glimpse of the brave Princess in her essence.
Her infectious smile was testament to her courage in the face of adversity as well as her work ethic, as the Christmas service marks just one of many official public engagements attended by the Princess since announcing her cancer treatment.
It is also the second time the Wales family have been seen together in public since their appearance at Trooping the Colour, the King’s birthday parade, in June.
Prince William looked dapper in a suit and tie perhaps inspiring his eldest son’s dashing style.
Hundreds of well-wishers have been queuing since the early hours to catch a glimpse of the royals, and waved excitedly as Prince William and Princess Kate made their way to the Church.
For the Royals, festivities usually start when everyone arrives on Christmas Eve. The family open presents, some of which are gag gifts – one of the Royal Family’s traditions.
The family then attend services at Saint Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas morning. Once they get home Christmas lunch is served, followed by afternoon games.