And we're off!
On the marathon that is the Duchess of Cambridge's Christmas wardrobe, the first phase has been complete: Kate stepped out this morning in a burgundy coat and velvet hat, looking festive and utterly relaxed as she made her way from Sandringham Church in King's Lynn, England.
It was Catherine's first time celebrating a traditional royal Christmas on the Queen's estate in Sandringham yet she looked totally at ease as she made the traditional walk between the church and the main house, greeting well-wishers along the way. Her presence this holidays has held particular excitement for fashion followers, who are anticipating Kate's rumored five outfit changes throughout the day.
For her first look, Kate chose a burgundy coat that hit below the knees, black tights, black gloves and suede black pumps. She topped it off with a burgundy velvet fascinator, tilted jauntily atop her head, with her hair pulled half-up (reminding the little girl inside of us of a perfect, real-life version of a "Samantha" American Girl doll).
Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall also made an appearance, celebrating their first Christmas as a married couple. As is her style, Zara, Princess Anne's daughter, kept things simple in a black coat, black platform heels and an interesting gray hat that looked like it had two chopsticks speared through it.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie also joined their family, with the former playing it safe in a black coat and simple black hat and the latter in burgundy to match Kate's. But it was Autumn Phillips, daughter-in-law of Princess Anne, who stole the show in a swingy plaid jacket and a luxe gray fut topper.
Alas one person was notably absent. Prince Phillip, Queen Elizabeth II's husband, was hospitalized on Friday for a blocked coronary artery and did not make it to church today. He is still at the Papworth Hospital near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, recovering from surgery.
But we're sure he would be pleased to see his whole brood in good spirits. Check out Kate's perky hat, Eugenie's fun maroon pumps and Autumn's awesome plaid coat in the slideshow below. Merry (royal) Christmas, everyone!
