NEED TO KNOW
- Prince Louis, 7, stole the spotlight on the royal family’s Christmas Day walk after receiving a giant chocolate egg from a well-wisher
- Photos captured the young royal hugging and guarding the oversized treat as the family greeted members of the public at Sandringham
- The playful moment unfolded during the royal family’s annual Christmas walk to church, led by King Charles
Prince Louis may have walked to church with the royal family on Christmas morning — but he walked away with something even sweeter.
During the family’s traditional Christmas Day outing at Sandringham on Thursday, Dec. 25, the 7-year-old royal received what may go down as his favorite holiday gift yet: a giant Lindor chocolate egg from a well-wisher. And Louis was instantly smitten.
While Prince William initially accepted the egg, his young son — standing close by — quickly snatched it from his father’s handsprompting laughter from William.
Photos from the walk show the young prince lifting the oversized treat high in the air with a proud grin before pulling it in close like a treasured prize. At one point, he hugged the chocolate egg to his chest with both arms — clearly determined not to let anyone (including his siblings!) get between him and his new Christmas morning treasure.
Even as the family moved along the walkway, greeting more members of the public, Louis kept a firm grip on the chocolate. The sweet moment quickly became one of the most endearing highlights of the annual holiday appearance.
HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP via Getty
Meanwhile, Prince George12, and Princess Charlotte10, collected stuffed animals, flowers and other treats from the crowd.
The youngest Wales sibling has a history of stealing the show at royal events, but this year’s chocolate-cuddling moment might be his most “Louis” one yet.
The moment unfolded during the royal family’s traditional Christmas morning outing at Sandringham, when members of the royal family walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church to attend the holiday service before greeting members of the public. The annual appearance is one of the few times each year that multiple generations of the family step out together, offering a rare glimpse of the royals in a festive setting.
Henry NICHOLLS / AFP via Getty
Louis joined his parents, Prince William and Kate Middletonalongside siblings George and Charlotte, as well as King Charles and Queen Camillawho led the family procession.
The Sandringham Christmas walk has long been a cornerstone of the royal holiday season, drawing crowds of well-wishers eager to catch a glimpse of the family.
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HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP via Getty
The royal family does follow strict guidelines when it comes to accepting gifts from the public. Flowers, food and other consumable items — within reasonable quantities — are permitted, as are copies of books presented by an author, provided the subject matter isn’t controversial.
Royals may also keep smaller items of modest value, generally defined as costing less than $200. Gifts deemed better suited for another organization are typically returned to the donor, while official presents automatically become part of the Royal Collection.
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