King Charles and Queen Camilla Attend Church (Where They'll Spend Christmas) amid Royal Book Scandal

The king and queen were seen together for the first time since the release of ‘Endgame’ last week

King Charles and Queen Camilla continue the controversy surrounding the new book Game over continues to make waves.

On Sunday, the King (75) and Queen (76) went to St Mary Magdalene Church, which is a few minutes’ walk from Sandringham House in Norfolk. As they made their way, King Charles spoke with the Reverend Canon Dr. Paul Williams.

The couple left Sunday’s Advent service in Sandringham on foot, with Queen Camilla seen smiling as they left the church.

In just a few weeks, the couple are expected to continue the tradition and lead the royal family’s annual trip to St. Mary Magdalene on Christmas Day. Christmas at Sandringham, the royal family’s private estate in Norfolk, is a highlight of the royal calendar, and Queen Elizabeth spent the holidays there as a child.

King Charles and Queen Camilla walk from St Mary Magdalene near Sandringham House on December 3.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry left off guest list for long-time friend’s wedding due to Royal Rift: report

ITV royal editor Chris Ship reported in November that members of Queen Camilla’s family would be invited to Christmas lunch for the first time. In years past, Camilla would leave the royal family’s Christmas gathering in the afternoon to spend time with her children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, and five grandchildren over the holidays.

Sunday’s outing marked the first joint appearance between King Charles and Queen Camilla since the release of Omid Scobie’s new book Endgame: Inside the royal family and the monarchy’s fight for survival November 28. The book, which was originally published in PEOPLE, sparked controversy after it was revealed that a Dutch translation of the book named royals who were involved in a conversation that included a controversial comment speculating about the skin color of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s child.

King Charles and Queen Camilla walk from St Mary Magdalene near Sandringham House on December 3.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

In separate statements to PEOPLE, Scobie and the Dutch publishers said the names were “a mistake.” Buckingham Palace had no comment.

During Meghan and Harry’s interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, the Duchess of Sussex said there was “concern and talk about how dark [Archie’s] skin could be when she’s born.” When Oprah asked who made the comment, Meghan declined to answer, saying the revelation would be too damaging.

A UK politician is defending two senior royals appointed amid the royal book controversy

King Charles and Queen Camilla walk from St Mary Magdalene near Sandringham House on December 3.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

Princess Kate and Prince William ignored reporters’ questions about the book when they stepped out to attend the Royal Variety Performance on November 30.

As seen in a video shot by PEOPLE’s Simon Perry at the event, reporters shouted, “Your Royal Highness, do you have any comment on Omid Scobie’s book?” and “Did you watch Piers Morgan’s show last night, Your Royal Highness?”, referring to the last episode Piers Morgan uncensoredwhere this topic was discussed.

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to receive the latest news on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

On Thursday, King Charles spoke briefly about how he felt at a meeting with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at COP28 in Dubai. The ruler turned 75 on November 14 – and seemed to be joking about his age.

“Asked how he was, His Majesty said, ‘I’m fine, about Daily mail royal correspondent Rebecca English continued to write x. ” ‘I recently had a rather ancient birthday recovering from that shock!’ ”

King Charles and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a bilateral meeting on November 30 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Andrew Matthews – pool/Getty

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education