Kate Middleton and Prince William Spend Christmas at Queen's Sandringham Estate

Contrary to speculation that Prince William and Kate Middleton would spend their first Christmas with Prince George at Middleton's mansion, the royal couple celebrated Christmas with the rest of the royal family members at the Queen's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived hand in hand for the Christmas Day morning service at the church on Sandringham Estate.

However, to the disappointment of thousands of royal fans who gathered outside the church, William and Kate left Prince George at home.

The royal couple celebrated their first Christmas as parents to five-month-old Prince George. Last year, William and Kate spent their holidays with Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton.

Catherine wore a tartan Alexander McQueen coat for the church service and was greeted with flowers and bouquets by well-wishers.

As many as 30 members of the royal family were a part of the Christmas celebrations at Sandringham Estate. Besides the hosts, the Queen and Prince Philip, Prince Harry, Camilla, Princess Beatrice, Prince Charles, Princess Eugenie, Prince Andrew, Zara Phillips and others gathered at the estate in eastern England for the holiday celebrations.

Prince Harry, who has just come back from his Antarctic expedition, sported the beard he grew during his month-long trip to the South Pole.

A heavily pregnant Zara Phillips was accompanied by her husband, Mike Tindall, on the half-mile walk to the church along with other royal family members.

The Queen was seen spending quality time with the Duchess of Cambridge as the two shared a warm greeting. Her Majesty wore a burnt orange coat with a black fur hat.

Though little Prince George was missing from the eventful morning at Sandringham Estate, he was the highlight of the Queen's Christmas speech. She said that the royal baby has "renewed hope" about the future.

"As so many of you will know, the arrival of a baby gives everyone the chance to contemplate the future with renewed happiness and hope. For the new parents, life will never be quite the same again," the Queen said.