Princess Anne was seen pausing for a brief conversation with Prince Louis as the Royal Family gathered outside St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate on Christmas Day.
Footage and photographs from the traditional walk to church showed the Princess Royal in a vivid red double-breasted coat, paired with a dark scarf and gloves, as she stood near the church entrance.
Prince Louis appeared close by in a dark coat as the pair spoke for a moment while family members and staff moved around them.
The exchange came as King Charles and Queen Camilla led senior royals to the morning service in Norfolk.
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Prince William and Princess Kate attended with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, while other members of the family also joined the annual appearance.
The short interaction between Princess Anne and the youngest Wales child stood out because it happened away from the main line of royals greeting crowds.
In the footage on social media, the Princess Royal is turned towards Louis as if responding to him before the group continues to move.
Princess Anne has long been a familiar presence at Sandringham for Christmas and is often seen attending with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.
Princess Anne spotted having conversation with Prince Louis after church
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Princess Anne leaving the church immediately after the Waleses
|GETTY
Her position within the working Royal Family means she regularly supports major royal traditions, including the Christmas Day service, which has become one of the few predictable set-piece appearances each year.
The walk to church has also become a moment when younger royals are seen navigating a public event while staying close to older family members.
Prince Louis has increasingly been photographed at major occasions in recent years as he joins his brother and sister for the annual walk.
After the service, royals typically spend time meeting members of the public who gather along the route.
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A still image of Princess Anne and Prince Louis from the footage on social media
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Prince Louis receiving chocolates and toys after church
|PA
Children have previously been handed small presents such as flowers and seasonal gifts, while adults often accept bouquets and cards before returning to Sandringham House for the rest of the day.
This year’s appearance again placed focus on the Wales children, who walked with their parents as crowds watched from behind barriers.
Princess Anne’s brief chat with Louis outside the church underlined the family nature of the morning and offered another glimpse of how the younger royals are guided during public engagements.