For the traditional Sandringham walkabout, Catherine, 43, chose a brown checked coat — a classic country style that closely echoed the earthy tones worn by Princess Eugenie during the same festive outing. While tartan and check patterns have long been a staple of royal winter dressing, the similarity in colour palette did not go unnoticed, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing sensitivities surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The former Duke of York lost his military titles and royal patronages in October, formally ending his public role within the monarchy. The decision, made by King Charles, followed sustained public scrutiny linked to Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — allegations which Andrew has strongly denied. Since then, he has remained absent from official royal events and is believed not to have been invited to the Sandringham Christmas celebrations.
