It has become a festive tradition for the Royal Family to release Christmas cards, with images carefully selected from the previous 12 months.
These cards are sent to family, friends, charities, and organisations that the Royal Family are associated with, providing a personal touch and a glimpse into their year. Take a look a some of our favourite cards from the years…
Charles and Camilla’s 2021 Christmas Card was a unique choice. It featured a photograph of Their Majesties wearing face masks — a reflection of the global circumstances at the time. The image, taken by Sam Hussein at Royal Ascot, shows Charles helping Camilla adjust her face mask, capturing a candid and relatable moment.
Charles and Camilla’s 2021 Christmas card. (Royal Family)
In 2022, the Wessexes — now the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh—used their card to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. The main photograph features the couple with the late Queen at the Ceremony of the Keys at Holyrood Palace, marking the start of Holyrood Week. Inside the card, a second image shows the late Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth on top of the Coyles of Muick in Scotland, a photo taken by Sophie in 2003.
🎄 The image featured on the Christmas card from The Earl and Countess of Wessex has been unveiled and features a sweet tribute to the late Queen.
The image was taken at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in June, where the couple and the Queen attended the Ceremony of the Keys. pic.twitter.com/TcgnJQbDQx
— The Crown Chronicles (@crownchronicles) December 21, 2022
A photograph of Elizabeth II and Prince Philip released by Buckingham Palace. (Royal Family)
For 2023, Prince William and Catherine opted for a mix of formal and informal tones for their card. Captured by Josh Shinner, the card features a classic portrait of the family, with Princess Charlotte seated in a leather chair surrounded by her brothers and parents, exuding warmth and elegance.
The Prince and Princess of Wales’ 2023 Christmas card. (Kensington Palace)
Marking the year of the Coronation, King Charles and Queen Camilla’s card showcased the historic occasion. The card featured a photograph of Their Majesties in their Coronation outfits, posing in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. The image was taken by Hugo Burnand on Coronation Day, commemorating a milestone in British history.
Charles and Camilla’s 2023 Christmas card. (Royal Family)
For their first Christmas as the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine shared a new family photograph taken by Matt Porteous in Norfolk. Likely captured at their residence, Anmer Hall, the picture features the couple with their three children, showcasing a relaxed and joyful family moment.
The Prince and Princess of Wales walk hand in hand with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis (Kensington Palace)
In December 2022, Charles and Camilla released their first Christmas card as King and Queen. The chosen image shows the couple at the Braemar Gathering in Scotland, taken just days before Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. The card carries a poignant connection to a pivotal moment in Royal history.
The King and Queen’s 2022 Christmas card (Royal Family)
On his 59th birthday in 2022, Prince Edward was made Duke of Edinburgh by his brother, King Charles III. Reflecting their new titles, Edward and Sophie’s first Christmas card as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh featured an image from their inaugural engagement in these roles, highlighting their evolving responsibilities within the Royal Family.
This card features an intimate family portrait taken by Marcus Adams. It shows the Duke and Duchess of York with their three-year-old daughter, Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II). The future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth signed the card simply as ‘Bertie’ and ‘Elizabeth.’
A Royal Christmas card from 1929. (RCT)
During World War II, the then-Princess Elizabeth followed her grandparents’ tradition by sending cards to the troops. In 1942, she specifically sent cards to the Grenadier Guards, showcasing her commitment to the Armed Forces.
Just months after their wedding, Harry and Meghan’s Christmas card featured a romantic photograph from their wedding reception at Frogmore House. The image shows the couple embracing and watching a fireworks display, symbolising their new beginnings.
Harry and Meghan’s Christmas Card photo from 2018. (Royal Family)
Charles’s card in 2005 celebrated his wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles. The photograph captures the couple alongside their children— Prince William, Prince Harry, Laura Lopes, and Tom Parker Bowles — blending their families in a heartfelt moment.
In 1957, the first British Royal Christmas card printed in colour was released. It featured Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, and their children, Charles and Anne, posing outdoors with two of the Queen’s beloved dogs, blending regal tradition with a touch of family life.
📨 On day 18 of our #RoyalAdventCalendar, we’re sharing the first royal Christmas card that was printed in colour.
The card was released in 1957 and sees Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh and their two children, Charles and Anne, outside with two of the Queen’s dogs. pic.twitter.com/RYDeEJMWBf— The Crown Chronicles (@crownchronicles) December 18, 2023
The tradition of Royal Christmas cards continues to offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the Royal Family, reflecting historical moments, personal milestones, and their enduring connection with the public. As each year brings new challenges and celebrations, these cards remain a cherished tradition that captures the spirit of the season and the legacy of the monarchy.
