The British royal family, who appeared to put on a united front during Christmas Day celebrations, could not hide deep fault lines within the Firm.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were in high spirits, putting brave face to encourage the other members of the family who were walking along with monarch to the Church of St, Mary Magdalene at the Sandringham estate.
The 76-year-old King tried his best to keep the family united and happy even after being warned by his medical team against taking stress and risks during his cancer treatment.
The traditional annual walk is held to transmit an impression of unity and conventional family values.
However, deep cracks remained unplugged within the family. It seems as the monarch fails to repair fractures within the family.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis stole the limelight with their chic presence, there was zero public acknowledgement of the king’s other son, Prince Harry, his wife, Meghan Markle or their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who are in self-exile in California.
Similarly, there was no place for the King’s younger brother Prince Andrew, who has been drawn into another financial scandal, or his ex-wife with whom he still lives in the royal lodge at Windsor.
Sarah Ferguson, who always admires the monarch, was apparently banished again after being restored to the family Christmas celebrations only last year.
Pregnant Princess Beatrice seemingly ditched her parents and joined the royals for walk. She’s said to be dining a deux at Andrew’s home in favor of walking to church with the royals.
In his annual Christmas speech, pre-recorder in a hospital chapel, the King tried to send a message of unity, harmony and peace.
