Hairy Harry Keeps His Magnificent Polar Beard For Christmas as Prince George Is A No-Show

Prince George did not put in an appearance at the annual royal expedition to church on Christmas but the 2,000-odd royal fans waiting outside were rewarded instead with the astonishing phenomenon that is Prince Harry's beard.

Most of us had expected that Harry would shave off the beard he grew while trekking to the South Pole but there it was today in all its ginger, bushy glory.

God only knows what Prince Philip made of it.

The overall effect was that hirstute Harry looked more dashing and roguish than ever.

Kate told the waiting crowds that her five-month old son was "having a lovely day but was more interested in the wrapping paper than the presents".

Meanwhile the Queen's annual Christmas day message to the nation included behind the scenes footage of Prince George.

in her speech, the Queen said: "Here at home my own family is a little larger this Christmas.

"As so many of you will know, the arrival of a baby gives everyone the chance to contemplate the future with renewed happiness and hope.

"For the new parents, life will never be quite the same again."