Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie put on a brave face as they walk to church in Sandringham

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie faced the Christmas crowds at Sandringham today without their father Prince Andrew who continues to be dogged by his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

The Duke of York was pictured attending a private 9am service with Prince Charles, but was absent for the much larger Royal gathering at 11am. 

The embattled Queen’s son, whose close relationship with paedophile billionaire Epstein forced him to step back from Royal duties, is believed to have slipped out of a back exit in a blacked-out Range Rover. 

Instead, his daughters were supported by their respective partners for the festive service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk estate. 

Beatrice looked elegant in a long brown coat as she strolled beside property tycoon fiancé Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, who was believed to have been invited by the monarch herself.

A few steps behind the engaged couple walked Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank who were hand in hand as they beamed for the masses.

The Princesses buried any lingering worries about their scandal-hit father, who was pictured walking side by side with Charles to the closed-door service at 9am from which he was whisked back Sandringham House.

A source said Andrew personally decided to remain home to spend time with the Duke of Edinburgh, who is recovering from a four-night stay in the King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone, London.

Beatrice looked elegant in a long brown coat as she strolled beside property tycoon fiancé Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, who was believed to have been invited by the monarch herself 

A few steps behind the engaged couple walked Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank who were hand in hand as they beamed for the masses 

The embattled Duke of York, whose close relationship with paedophile billionaire Epstein forced him to step back from Royal duties, was believed to have been whisked away from the 9am service in a blacked-out Range Rover

The Duke of York (believed to be pictured leaving the church) was pictured attending a private 9am service with Prince Charles, but was absent for the much larger Royal gathering at 11am 

Andrew’s attempt to explain away his relationship with convicted sex offender Epstein backfired and he was heavily criticised for showing a lack of empathy towards the disgraced financier’s victims and remorse over his friendship.

The beleaguered Duke of York cut a solemn figure as he walked alongside Prince Charles on what is his first public outing since his controversial Newsnight interview. 

But the brothers walked side-by-side as they headed into St Mary Magdalene Church for the 9am service.

The Queen was driven to her Norfolk estate this morning without her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, who was discharged from hospital in London yesterday. 

The Earl of Wessex and his daughter Lady Louise Windsor also strolled into St Mary Magdalene Church together.

Hundreds of well-wishers have been queuing since the early hours to catch a glimpse of members of the royal family, and waved excitedly as the Queen left with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and was driven to the royal family’s traditional 11am service.

The beleaguered Duke of York cut a solemn figure as he walked alongside Prince Charles on what is his first public outing since his controversial Newsnight interview

Andrew’s Newsnight interview was widely regarded as a disaster, where he did not apologise for his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein

The Queen, 93, donned a fetching red hat and matching coat for the annual service at Sandringham 

Today is the first time the younger royals have attended, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte going into church alongside their parents, William and Kate. At six and four they are now old enough to sit through the service.

At the 11am service, Prince William and Kate Middleton were joined by Prince Charles as they led George and Charlotte.

George, six, and four-year-old Charlotte walked the short distance from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church hand in hand with their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The Prince of Wales walked alongside them but one-year-old Prince Louis stayed at the house.

The five were captured attending the service by Karen Anvil, who took a brilliant picture of the Cambridges and Sussexes two years ago.  

George, six, and four-year-old Charlotte walked the short distance from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church hand in hand with their parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The Queen leaves after the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church

The Prince of Wales with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte arriving to attend the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. This picture was taken by Karen Anvil who two years ago took a famous photo of the Cambridges and Sussexes

The Prince of Wales (left, taken by Ms Anvil) walked alongside the Cambridges (right) but one-year-old Prince Louis stayed back home at Sandringham