The Royal Family’s Christmas Cards Are (Sometimes) Just Like Everyone Else’s
For many families, Christmastime is rife with a lot of tradition. Hanging up the stockings, leaving out the milk and cookies for Santa Claus...and of course, the sending (and receiving) of family portrait-style Christmas cards.
That tradition isn't limited to just us regular folk, however. Even the Royal Family's Christmas cards are filled with joy, glee, and character. Take a look at the following Christmas cards from the royals over the years (and be sure to keep an eye out for the one where the Queen smiles!)
The Princes Grow Up, While A Young Prince Hides In The Background
This 1979 Christmas card featuring the Royal Family showcases how the Queen's family is all grown up! Princes Edward, Charles, and Andrew are looking pretty dapper in this photograph, while Princess Anne in the middle of the picture is looking as stylish as ever. Queen Elizabeth, looking somewhat stern, is wearing a green overcoat and dress, while her husband Prince Philip stands behind her, in a suit and tie ensemble.
Not noticeable at first glance, however, is Princess Anne's son, who is playing near the garden behind the Royal Family. How cute!
This Card Got All The Laughs
The rules were definitely broken on this one. Then again, who says being royal means you can't have a little fun every now and again? This Christmas card from Prince Charles and his boys showcases the happy and light-hearted times the three of them could get into. And just for added flair, their dog Tigga makes another appearance in the foreground.
Charles' pose looks innocuous enough, like he's getting ready for a legitimate familiy photo. His two sons, William and Harry, on the other hand, had different plans in mind. The two flank Charles in the photo, popping out of two vases on the side of their father's bench. It must have been fun to pose for this one!
1981 — The Marriage Of Diana And Charles
Speaking of elegance, the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1981 shared with the world another beautiful portrait in their Christmas card that year. In the summer of 1981, the two had wed in an extravagant ceremony that was viewed by millions, and still remembered to this day as a fairytale marriage ceremony.
The picture they shared that Christmas year was also the official wedding portrait for the couple. Charles looks regal in his official garb, while Diana's beauty radiates off the page in their seasonal greeting.
The Queen's Long Reign Means Many, Many Christmas Memories
Queen Elizabeth II has been the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom since 1952. Besides the many societal changes she's witnessed over the years, that's also a lot of Christmases she's had to oversee!
This Christmas card is from 1954, very early in her role as queen. At 28 years of age, he's joined alongside by her children and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Waving to her subjects from a balcony, the queen is all smiles in this Christmas greeting card.
A Silly Pose From The Guys
Even though tensions were running high within his marriage to Diana, Prince Charles still found time to have fun with his sons. The Christmas card from 1996 demonstrates that perfectly.
Taken at their vacation estate in Scotland, Charles, William, and Harry are all posing with canes in their hands, smiling toward the camera. Charles has a bit of gray noticeable in his hair, but if anything it makes him look more regal. The majestic hills in the background are picturesque enough — but seeing the boys have fun in this card probably brought a lot of smiles that year, too.
A Very Regal Christmas In 1975
Some of the Royal Family's Christmas cards are really down-to-earth, and make us feel as though they're a lot like us regular people. This card from 1975, however, isn't one of them. In it, Queen Elizabeth II appears this time with just her husband, Prince Philip, sans children. The two appear in the card attending a royal engagement wearing full-length silk robes, sashes, and other regalia.
The Queen is also wearing a hat with white plumage at the top. We're guessing this isn't what the Royal Family wore on Christmas morning, but it's still a pretty interesting picture nevertheless!
Prince Charles And Duchess Camilla Have Plenty To Smile About
Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla had a lot to be thankful for in 2015, when this greeting card picture was taken in the countryside. Prince William and Duchess Kate welcomed their second child, Princess Charlotte, into the world that year — making Charles and Camilla grandparents for a second time.
This Christmas card picture exemplifies a warm, happy feeling that Charles and Camilla feel for each other, as well as for their growing family. In just a few years after this picture was taken, they'd have a new daughter-in-law, and two more grandchildren, to smile even more about.
Princess Diana And Prince Charles, With A Young Prince William
This Christmas card is more akin to the typical one you might receive in the mail — except for, of course, the kilt that Prince Charles is wearing. Still, the sentiment is the same that many families try to convey in their Christmas cards annually: a loving family sending the best of holiday wishes.
Charles looks on over Princess Di, who is sitting on a swing while holding a young Prince William. The young prince was just over 1-year-old when this 1983 Christmas card was sent out.
A Royal Puppy, And A Laughing Son
This 1986 Christmas card from Prince Charles and Princess Diana features a new addition to the family — a new puppy named Tigga! The five family members (four humans, one dog) appear before a fireplace setting, with Charles and Diana sitting, and their two sons standing in front of their father. Tigga sits atop Diana's lap.
The photo also exemplifies what many families posing for Christmas pictures often realize: that getting a toddler to stand still is next to nearly impossible! Prince Harry can be seen giggling while his father tries to help him pose for this picture.
William's And Kate's 2018 Card: A Family Of Smiles (And Goofiness)
This very casual photo from 2018 shows Prince William, the future king, alongside his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, and their three young children, Princes Louis and George, and Princess Charlotte.
The crew is all smiles, as George climbs around in the background, one leg up in the air. Charlotte sits nestled between mom and dad, and Louis is held by Kate, as she and William sit on a fallen tree.
Prince Charles With His Young Sons, 1994
Christmas is a time to be spent with family, cherishing your loved ones and those you hold dearest to your heart. This photograph from a 1994 Royal Family Christmas card shows Prince Charles, son of Queen Elizabeth II, with his two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, surrounded in a field of red and yellow flowers.
Both young princes are now grown up, and starting families of their own. Undoubtedly, the traditions they remember as young boys are likely being continued in their own households.
A Christmas Card Featuring King George VI
Before she became Queen, Elizabeth was, of course, a Princess. Here, in a Christmas portrait from 1947, she sits at the piano, posing as if she's playing a tune while also being the only member of her family looking directly into the camera.
Her father, King George VI, who died just a few years after this photo was taken, is having what appears to be a conversation with Elizabeth's sister, Princess Margaret. She steals the show in this Christmas card, as her dazzling smile warms the hearts of those who view the image.
A Christmas Greeting From Highgrove House And Gardens
Charles and Diana, along with William and Harry, appear in this 1989 Christmas card. Posing alongside a wooden fence at their private family home at Highgrove House and Gardens, Diana is brimming with a smile from ear-to-ear as the boys stand before her, leaning on the fence, on either side of her.
Charles is also seen leaning on the fence, wearing a sweater and also smiling. The young family looks very happy here in this end-of-the-1980s holiday card.
The Royal Family Is All Smiles In The 1970s
The year before the Queen and Prince Philip sent out their regal-looking Christmas card, they sent out a different card featuring their family in a more down-to-earth setting. Wearing polo shirts and T-shirts, the family stands, sits, and leans on a brick wall and before a picturesque garden scene. It's definitely a far cry from the robes Elizebeth and Philip wore the following year!
The whole immediate Royal Family is featured in this picture, with smiles being cast all around. Princess Anne catches your attention almost immediately, with her 1970s style hair. Looking extravagant was not always an easy feat for her, particularly when she was in public settings. "When I appear in public people expect me to neigh, grind my teeth, paw the ground and swish my tail—none of which is easy," she once said.
Harry And Meghan Share A Moment From Their 2018 Wedding
Prince Harry's and Meghan Markle's Christmas card from 2018 was markedly different, and understandably so, from William's and Kate's: the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had yet to give birth to their first child, and so their Christmas card featured just the two of them.
It was still a spectacular black-and-white photograph, as it featured the couple standing before a fireworks display during their 2018 wedding. Harry has his arm around his bride's waist, as she reciprocates the gesture to her husband, both looking on at the fiery display.
The Elegance Of The Queen
The Royal Family can bring the laughs, as the previous card showed us — but they also know how to be glamorous as well. Queen Elizabeth did just that in this 1987 Christmas card, looking gorgeous while sending out her holiday wishes.
Wearing an elegant yellow dress, holding onto a fan and displaying her iconic crown and jewels, the Queen has just a hint of a smile in this seasonal greeting card. Just to be sure it's not too serious, she's also included in this card one of her beloved puppies in the background, laying down beside her. The card is equal parts elegant and humbling.
The Queen Mother Knew How To Be Elegant, Too
Queen Elizabeth II isn't the only one who can display elegance and style in her portrait. Elizabeth the Queen Mother, the mother of Elizabeth II, also dazzled Christmas cards with her charismatic pose in 1965.
Wearing a festive, white hat, white gloves, pearls to match, and a blue-white dress, the Queen Mother smiles off into the distance in that year's Christmas card. Having lived her life in the royal circle, the Queen Mother knows the importance of coming off regal — but does so here in such a way that still exudes a brilliant beauty.
A Not-So-Happy Holiday Card?
Sometimes families send out Christmas cards of just the kids, and that's okay. Other times, such a card can signal something problematic, and many felt that the 1992 card sent out by Charles and Diana was just that. The card did not feature all four members of their immediate family, but instead featured just William and Harry, one standing, one in a chair, in a black-and-white photograph.
Sadly, Charles and Diana would eventually split in 1996, as their relationship deteriorated in the years between this card and then.
Prince William's First Christmas Card
If 1981's card was celebratory because of the Royal Wedding that happened that year, 1982 was equally joyous — it featured Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and the newest addition to their family, Prince William, who was born that year.
William was born in June 1982, so of course, he had to be included in that year's Christmas card. Diana is seen holding the young prince in her arms, smiling and looking beautiful as ever. Prince Charles has one arm wrapped around her, the other holding her hand as both latch onto William — who is making the best face ever for the occasion!
2018 Was A Big Year For Prince Charles
2018 was a year of big happenings for the Royal Family. William and Kate welcomed in their third child; Harry and Meghan Markle got married; and Prince Charles celebrated his 70th birthday. What a year!
For their 2018 Christmas card, Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, kept it simple. The two sat next to each other on a bench in front of a garden, staring lovingly at each other. As far as couple's poses go for Christmas cards, this has got to be the standard for many.
The Reigning Monarch — Taking The Horse By The Reins!
This 1966 Christmas card featuring Queen Elizabeth II, her husband Prince Philip, and her children, Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward shows that Elizabeth isn't afraid to take the "reins" once in a while! Sitting with her children in a horse buggy, Elizabeth holds the reins herself, showing her ability to take control of the animal she's guiding if need be.
Elizabeth has quite the affinity for horses. She's been interested in them since she was young, and that hobby lasted into adulthood when she became interested in horse breeding. She was even named the British Flat Racing champion owner in 1954 and in 1957!
Another Bundle Of Joy To Add To The Christmas Greeting For Charles And Diana
We've already seen a Christmas card from Charles and Diana featuring a new addition to their family. But this Christmas greeting from 1984 has their second-born son, Harry, included.
Harry was born in September 1984, so of course, it made sense for him to be included in that year's Christmas card. In this photo, the Royals look like your typical family posing for a family portrait — smiles from mom and dad, while the oldest (William) makes a joyous expression of his own.
Toddlers Smiling For The Camera
Three years later, William and Harry are no longer babies — they're kids who are just enjoying their young lives to the fullest. You can't even tell that this is a card from royalty! We see their happiness exuded (especially from William) in this Christmas greeting from Charles and Diana in 1987.
Getting children at these ages — William, at age 5, Harry, 3 — to sit still for a family photo is no easy feat. Charles and Diana make it look easy. Christmas cards like these are reminders of what's truly important around the holiday season: spending time with family, and laughing while doing so.
The Young Princes Grow Into Young Men
William and Harry wouldn't stay young princes forever, and this Chrismas card shows them grow into young men. Sitting on a tree stump with their father, Prince Charles, the boys look rather dashing in this holiday greeting card from 2002.
The princes have had to endure a lot in their lives, and living that out in the public eye certainly didn't make things easier. In this photograph, however, it's all fun, as the three princes lean or sit together in the same pose, with one hand tucked under their chin.
This Puppy Is The Queen Mother's Best Friend
The Queen Mother was exceptional at taking photographs for her Christmas greeting cards. Glamorous while showing her fun side as well, this 1993 picture features one of her favorite pet dogs at her side, while she sits beside a desk with pictures of her family included in the background.
The Queen Mother is wearing a blue version of her favorite type of hat style, and smiling while posing for the picture. Undoubtedly, those who received this card received a warm feeling in their hearts.
A Memorable Christmas Photograph Of Diana And Her Sons
Princess Diana was known to possess exceptional beauty, but her radiance really glowed when she was beside her two sons. This photograph from 1995 likely holds a special place in William's and Harry's hearts — it was the last Royal Christmas card that featured their mother before her untimely death in 1997.
With Harry hanging on mom's shoulder on the left side of the picture, and William behind his mother slightly on the right, the crew is all smiles in this classic black-and-white picture that gained notoriety after Di's passing.
William And Kate's Young Family On A Bright Autumn Day
Speaking of 2015, Charles and Camilla's picture is rivaled in good family feelings by his son, Prince William's, family photograph with Kate. The Duchess looks absolutely radiant in this picture, which includes her oldest son George and newborn daughter Charlotte, alongside dad.
Getting their children to pose for this photograph must have taken some effort, but they might have had some help — look closely at the bottom of the picture, and you'll see a small toy train that likely kept George smiling throughout the photo shoot. But it can't all be perfect, as Princess Charlotte somehow lost one of her shoes in the picture!
A Royal Family Stands United
This 1998 Christmas greeting looks to be including the entire family together. Unfortunately, one person is obviously missing, and the story behind the picture is somber: this is the first Christmas card from the Royal Family after the tragedy of Princess Diana's death.
The multigenerational photo was seen as inspiring to many, who viewed it as a portrait of unity by the entire family following Di's passing. The family is seen together, some smiling, some stoic, and with their family's pets as well in the foreground.
The Three Princes
Relationships can become strained for many reasons, as Prince Charles and Diana found out years after their marriage. In this 1993 Christmas card, Charles and Diana had separated, and the Prince desired a family portrait that was just him and his two boys.
Although the backdrop behind this picture's story is sad, the picture of the three men still looks happy. They likely did have some fun times together through this difficult period, but it's hard to imagine Di wasn't missed at least a little bit during this photo shoot.
Charles And Camilla Laughing At The Races
This 2013 card shows Charles and Camilla together, enjoying their time as horses parade in front of them in the Royal Box. The two are smiling, clearly having a fun time and enjoying the pomp and regalia before them.
Camilla wears a dazzling white hat in the photo, while Charles goes the more traditional route, wearing a black tophat. Being festive sometimes means having fun and looking good while doing it!
Still Enjoying Sporting Events (And Each Other's Company), One Year Later
The following year's Christmas card was all smiles yet again from Charles and Camilla. And it featured the royal couple at another sporting event, the international Invictus Games. Here, the Prince and Duchess can be seen applauding during the opening ceremonies of that event.
Looking at Charles and Camilla through their Christmas cards, it's clear the two have a great fondness for one another. Most Christmas cards feature couples who pose for their pictures — that Charles and Camilla can take strikingly good candid pictures says a lot about their relationship.
Following Her Grandparents
Being at war during Christmastime can put enormous strains and stresses upon families. To help alleviate that somewhat, King George V and Queen Mary sent out cards to troops fighting during World War I. Princess Elizabeth wanted to do the same thing when another world war came about.
In 1942, during World War II, Elizabeth sent a portrait-style card of herself to the Grenadier Guards regiment of the British army with a special message: "I shall do all in my power to uphold and foster the great traditions of the regiment which I already learned to love." Elizabeth herself was the Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment when the picture was sent.
A New Arrival For The Royal Family (In 1964)
In 1964, Prince Edward was born. The occasion of the young prince's arrival was captured in this 1965 Christmas card from the Royal Family, which featured Queen Elizabeth flanked by her oldest two children, Princess Anne and Prince Charles, while Prince Philip places his hands on Prince Andrew's shoulders.
Apparently, the very young Prince Edward was entertained by being the center of attention — he can be seen laughing as he sits in his stroller. The rest of the family smiles along with the youngest prince.
A Fun Time On The Royal Yacht
As we've pointed out before, not all of the Royal Family's Christmas cards are just like everyone else's. In some instances, the wealth of the family is on full display. Such was the case in this 1969 photo of the family on their Royal Yacht Britannia.
Not that the Royal Family looks "stuck up" in this picture — in fact, take away the elegant clothing and the fact that they're on a yacht, and you have what looks like a "regular" Christmas card from any other family. Still, most families probably don't get to take their Christmas card photo shoots in Norway, which is where Queen Elizabeth and her family were for this picture.
The Spanish Royal Family's 2016 Christmas Greeting
If this Christmas greeting looks different from the rest we've seen so far, it's because it's of a different royal family. These are the Spanish Royals in 2016, posting together before a grassy area, all smiling as they embrace one another in a seated position.
The Spanish Royal Family in this picture features King Felipe VI, his wife Queen Letizia, and their daughters, Princess Asturias and Infanta Sofia. To us, though, the picture is reminiscent of many of the Christmas cards we get from family members ourselves. Just like the Royal Family in the UK, the Spanish Royal Family is sometimes just like us!
The Last Christmas Card Featuring Charles, Diana, and their two sons all together
This picture, taken in 1991, is of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, alongside their two sons William and Harry. Di and her youngest sit on a bench, while older brother William and Charles stand behind the seated area in front of a brick wall.
Sadly, this image is the last that the family would take with all four of them appearing together for a Christmas card. Charles' and Diana's relationship took a turn for the worst, and in a few years' time the couple would divorce.
Two Can Play That Game
In a previous image, we showed a Christmas card of Prince Charles with William and Harry together. Charles wasn't the only one who took portraits alone with his kids. This photo of Princess Diana, along with William and Harry, shows her looking elegant as ever.
The trio stand behind a couch. Harry, on the left side of the photography, looks up at his mother, while Diana looks toward her eldest son on the right side of the picture. William looks directly at the camera.
For The Last Time
The last Christmas card to be sent out before Princess Diana's untimely passing featured her sons as well as her nieces. Prince Andrew was also featured in the seasonal greeting.
Sadly, Princess Diana died in a car accident in 1997. Her legacy as a beautiful princess who had a fairytale wedding, as well as her philanthropic work over her years within the Royal Family, will be remembered for years to come.
The Whole Family Together
This Christmas card features many of the Royal Family members at the Balmoral. Practically everyone who could be there was, except for one of her grandchildren, Peter Phillips.
The Queen is featured prominently at the center, flanked by her children and grandchildren to her sides and behind her. In front of her, she proudly included her favorite pet corgis — a regular fixture by the Queen's side for much of her reign.
A Kilt For Charles, A Simpler Look For The Boys
This 2000 Christmas picture of Prince Charles, who sits in the center, and his two sons Harry and William (the latter of which was 18 at the time of this photograph), shows class and sophistication — and just a little bit of leg.
Charles opted to wear a kilt with a sweater over his dress shirt for this Christmas card, while Princes Harry and William opted for the more traditional buttoned-down shirt and slacks look.
