Pippa Matthews spotted at prestigious event after missing Princess Kate's carol service

Mrs Matthews and her husband James have been spotted at the Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The couple were seen on Sky Sports during qualifying coverage on Saturday.

The sighting comes after the 42-year-old missed her sister’s carol service for only the second time.

She had only missed Kate’s Christmas service once, in 2021, when capacity was limited due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mrs Matthews had attended the previous three years alongside other members of the family.

In her 2012 book, she spoke on the Middleton festive traditions: “When I was a child, my December weekends were spent making cards, decorating the tree, hanging the wreath, and preparing brandy butter and peppermint creams.

“Bowls brimming with walnuts, shiny wrapped chocolates, and piles of clementines would appear around the house.

“There was always a distinctive smell, too: pine and cinnamon and the heady scent of mulled wine and pomanders that merged into one festive bouquet.

“No matter how much we may adapt other celebrations, come December we tend to repeat our own familiar customs, year after year – and this is perhaps the key to the magic of Christmas.

“Looking back, I don’t remember the presents I received, nor whether the sprouts were overcooked or the turkey dry.

“But what I do remember are all the small rituals that we reveled in. It’s inevitable that as we get older, Christmases become more complicated, and as one of the biggest events of the social calendar, raised expectations and high stress levels are unavoidable.

“Families grow, the dynamics change, and as children become adults and parents themselves the innocent thrill of opening a stocking is replaced by the responsibility of ensuring a memorable Christmas for their own children, relatives, and friends.

Mrs Matthews is a well-documented fan of Formula 1, with her last public appearance being at the British Grand Prix earlier this year at Silverstone.

Royal fans were also seen reacting to "the sweetest photo of the Princess of Wales and Prince Louis" taken at the Together at Christmas Carol Service.

The mother and son were seen talking and laughing during the ceremony in an adorable image.

Their heartwarming bond was clearly visible as they sat next to the rest of the family: Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince William.