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Yesterday at Sandringham, Prince William noticed a familiar face in the crowd—John Loughrey, known as one of Princess Diana’s most devoted admirers.
To the delight of the crowd, Prince William not only acknowledged Loughrey by name but also introduced him to his children, Charlotte, Louis, and George.
Adorned with a hat decorated in pins featuring the Royal Family, Loughrey came bearing gifts for the young royals. He wished them a merry Christmas and told Prince George, “Diana would be proud of you.”
The royal children accepted the gifts graciously, with Charlotte expressing her gratitude, saying, “Thank you very much, that’s so kind.”
Even King Charles II recognized Loughrey, who is widely regarded as Princess Diana’s biggest fan.
Greeting the enthusiastic crowd gathered outside the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, the King took note of Loughrey’s extensive badge collection, commenting, “You’ve collected more badges since last year!”
John Loughrey, from Wandsworth, south west London, arrived at 9pm on Christmas Eve and spent the night on a fold up chair outside the gates and was first in the queue outside Sandringham’s War Memorial gates to greet the royals on Christmas Day.
He told the Daily Mail: ‘It was cold but I had heat pads inside my jumper and hand warmers.
Prince William spotted John Loughrey and introduced him to his three children – George, Louis, and Charlotte
Princes George and Louis are seen shaking Mr Loughrey’s hand and accepting gifts as they walk through the crowds
Mr Loughrey brought Prince William a gift – a 2012 portrait of himself bearing the Union Jack
King Charles noted Mr Loughrey’s impressive badge collection, remarking that it had increased since last year
Princess Kate looked radiant as she greeted fans yesterday wearing a silk scarf and purple tartan coat
‘There’s something special about sharing Christmas Day with the royals at Sandringham.’
The royal megafan also came armed with a portrait of himself painted in honour of Diana, Princess of Wales, back in 2012, which he hoped to pass on to Prince William.
The retired chef assist was painted by artist Rebecca Francesca Cartwright de Fontenelle and featured in the Royal Society of Portrait Painters 2012 exhibition.
‘I have met him several times before,’ Mr Loughrey said of Prince William.
‘I last saw William at the Centrepoint homeless charity a few weeks ago and I told him I would bring a special gift for him to Sandringham.’
Mr Loughrey had also met William back in March when he visited mental health charity established in 2017 by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales called Mental Health Innovations (MHI) in White City.
Prince William also stopped in March to greet Mr Loughrey then, where he discussed his plans to have more royal memorabilia commissioned.
The superfan well known to the Press is a regular visitor to St Paul’s Cathedral and, when the Queen died in 2022, he planned to camp outside Buckingham Palace for ten days in mourning.
Join the debate
Should superfans camp for days to see the royals, or does it cross a line into obsession?
King Charles and Queen Camilla led the royals as they passed crowds of fans waiting for a glimpse of the family on Christmas Day
The Princess of Wales looked radiant as she greeted fans with her daughter, Princess Charlotte
An unexpected appearance was also made by Princess Beatrice and her husband Eduardo Mapelli Mozzi, despite rumours they would spend Christmas elsewhere
Yesterday, senior Royals greeted crowds as they passed to and from Mary Magdalene Church in traditional Christmas celebrations at Sandringham.
King Charles led the procession alongside Queen Camilla, who stood out in a bright red overcoat and matching hat. The couple appeared relaxed and cheerful as they acknowledged the crowds on the sunny but chilly morning.
After the hour-long service, the family returned to Sandringham House for a Christmas lunch hosted by the King, once again pausing to greet members of the public on their walk back.
The day also brought a surprise appearance from the King’s nieces, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who attended despite speculation they might spend Christmas elsewhere this year.
Beatrice was joined by her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, who later wished members of the press a merry Christmas as the family departed.
Other royals spotted included Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, with their children Lady Louise, 22, and James, Viscount Severn, 17, as well as Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence.
Zara and Mike Tindall attended with their children Mia, Lena and Lucas, while Peter Phillips was joined by his daughters Savannah and Isla.
