Every family has an eldest cousin that keeps all the children in line during festive gatherings.
And the royals are no different, as adorable 14-year-old Savannah – Princess Anne‘s granddaughter – helmed the younger cohort at Sandringham this year.
The teenager doted on her relatives during the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk estate this week.
As King Charles led the regal gathering for a special annual mass, his grandniece was never far from the little ones.
Matching with her aunt Zara Tindall, Savannah – who was Queen Elizabeth’s first great-grandchild – looked smart and elegant in a burgundy coat as she grinned and chatted with her family members.
Photos from the outing showed the young girl smiling as she spoke with nine-year-old Charlotte and six-year-old Lena Tindall, who looked up at the teen in awe and admiration.
Elsewhere Savannah could be seen chuckling as she walked behind her cousin Mia Tindall, 10, playfully high-fiving her father Mike.
She was also snapped helpfully walking alongside the Wales’s sons – George, 11, and Louis, six – on hand to lend support.
Adorable 14-year-old Savannah – Princess Anne ‘s granddaughter – helmed the younger cohort at Sandringham this year
The teenager doted on her relatives during the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk estate this week
As King Charles led the regal gathering for a special annual mass, his grandniece was never far from the little ones
Speaking to the Telegraph in 2019, Mike said however that the leadership appears to be split between Savannah and Hames (Viscount Severn), 17, who is Prince Edward’s son.
‘We’ve got a great group of young ones in the family now. Lena and obviously Louis are similar ages and Mia’s sort of in between Charlotte and George, and then you’ve got Peter’s children Savannah and Isla who are just a little bit older,’ he explained.
‘James is, well not exactly the ring leader, but he’s the oldest. So, yeah, it’s going to be a good little group.’
Savannah is 19th in line to the throne and was born in 2010 to her father Peter Phillips and mother Autumn Kelly. Her parents are now divorced.
The teenager also has a younger sister, Isla, 12, who was also snapped at Sandringham.
Savannah, as reported by HELLO!, recycled her mother Autumn’s deep red coat for the festive occasion, and kept her platinum blonde hair braided.
Matching with her aunt Zara Tindall, Savannah – who was Queen Elizabeth’s first great-grandchild – looked smart and elegant in a burgundy coat as she grinned and chatted with her family members
Savannah, as reported by HELLO! , recycled her mother Autumn’s deep red coat for the festive occasion, and kept her platinum blonde hair braided
Meanwhile, Peter (right) – who was also present at Sandringham on Wednesday – has found happiness with oil heiress girlfriend Lindsay Wallace. From left to right: Lena, Zara and Isla
Savannah’s younger sister Isla, right, watched over Lena, who is the daughter of Mike and Zara Tindall
It’s not the first time Elizabeth’s eldest great-grandchild showed that she is truly the leader of the younger pact.
At the 2018 Trooping The Colour, her antics stole the show as she shushed her cousin Prince George on the balcony at Buckingham Palace by placing a hand over his mouth during the flypast.
Eagle-eyed royal watchers were quick to pick up on the similarities between Savannah trying to shush second cousin George, and Harry covering Beatrice’s mouth three decades ago.
And just one day later, she was at it again as she gave her cousin a playful push as they sat on a grassy bank at the Beaufort Polo Club.
The incident seemed to prompt Savannah’s mother to give her daughter a telling off to shoving her younger cousin.
Living on Princess Anne’s 700-acre Gatcombe Park Estate, Isla and her older sister Savannah are in close proximity to their Tindall cousins – Mia, Lena and Lucas, three – and the boisterous posse are regularly seen in the great outdoors.
Although they’re growing up out of the spotlight, the Phillips sisters are recognisable from royal events such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – and they’re known for adding a touch of mischief to formal royal occasions.
At Princess Eugenie’s wedding in October 2018, for instance, Savannah entertained George by imitating the trumpet fanfare to announce the arrival of the Queen, as he looked on in fits of giggles.
At the 2018 Trooping The Colour, her antics stole the show as she shushed her cousin Prince George on the balcony at Buckingham Palace by placing a hand over his mouth during the flypast
At Princess Eugenie’s wedding in October 2018, for instance, Savannah entertained George by imitating the trumpet fanfare to announce the arrival of the Queen, as he looked on in fits of giggles
Mia Tindall and Savannah Phillips playing around at the Gatcombe Horse Trials at Gatcombe Park in 2018
The smiling Phillips sisters and Mia all pictured attending the Badminton Horse Trials together in 2016
Savannah has always served as a playful presence that is sure to keep her younger cousins entertained. Pictured at the Platinum Pageant in 2022
Autumn and Peter walking with their children Isla and Savannah at Sandringham for Christmas in 2017
However, Savannah was a grounding and solemn presence at the late Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in 2022, as she led her fort for Mia and Isla on the mournful occasion
It’s not the first time Elizabeth’s eldest great-grandchild showed that she is truly the leader of the younger pact. Savannah pictured left, in the front row next to the late Elizabeth II
Elsewhere six years ago at Sandringham, former England rugby star Mike was spotted giving his niece a bear hug during the Royals’ Christmas church service.
Young Savannah could not hide her delight as her uncle warmed her up with a cuddle from behind as they left the St Mary Magdalene Church.
Savannah was also one of the bridesmaids at Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding. She stole the show as she was pictured beaming between Charlotte and George outside the steps of Windsor Castle with the other bridesmaids and page boys.
With only 15 months between Isla and her older sister Savannah, it’s no surprise the pair are growing up with a close bond, although the elder girl seems to be the ringleader for most of the light-hearted mischief.
However, Savannah was a grounding and solemn presence at the late Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in 2022, as she led her fort for Mia and Isla on the mournful occasion.
Their parents, Peter and Autumn, announced they were separating in 2020, with the divorce finalised in 2021.
They have been amicably co-parenting, with pictures showing Autumn, her new love Donal Mulryan – an Irish construction company boss – and Savannah and Isla on a Mother’s Day outing to the Cirencester horse trials.
Meanwhile, Peter – who was also present at Sandringham on Wednesday – has found happiness with oil heiress girlfriend Lindsay Wallace.
Hundreds of well-wishers had been queuing since the early hours to catch a glimpse of the royals on the big day, 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.
The families joined King Charles, 76, and 77-year-old Queen Camilla for the short walk from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church.
William walked hand in hand with Charlotte, and Kate who wore a green coat and hat smiled at the crowds.
Also in the walking party was the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Members of the royal family who walked to the service were greeted at the foot of the steps to the church by the Reverend Canon Dr Paul Rhys Williams.