King Charles III officially upholds one of the longest and most cherished of royal traditions by mailing thousands of holiday cards every Christmas. He began this practice not long after marrying Princess Diana, so to speak, in 1981. As the holiday season begins this year, the King’s cards tell a new chapter in his family’s history. They shine a light on all the trials and tribulations they’ve gone through hand-in-hand.
The initial congratulations card from King Charles III and the late Princess Diana included a portrait photo from shortly after their honeymoon. This photo perfectly embodied, they said, the pure elation and bliss of being newlyweds—their first years together. Each year, King Charles has taken the opportunity through his Christmas cards to highlight key life events. These cards map it all out, from his separation and divorce from Princess Diana, to his new blended family with Camilla, now Queen Consort.
Evolution of the Christmas Card Tradition
Back in 1995, then-Prince Charles published a tongue-in-cheek card. It featured him standing with his sons, Princes William and Harry, in massive flowerpots. This imagery not only highlighted his warm relationship with his children but showcased a lighter side of the monarch. The addition of these fun details have helped these cards become the talk of the town, at least with the general public.
By 2005, after his marriage to Camilla, King Charles’ Christmas card heralded the new mixed family. The card captured specific moments that represented their togetherness and devotion towards each other. This change in card themes is reflective of the transformation of King Charles’ own life as well, depicting major events in his life story thus far.
In recent years, the cards have taken a turn toward capturing a more contemplative, intimate domestic life. The Christmas cards sent in 2020 and 2021 captured intimate instances of King Charles and Camilla, reflecting their connection and resilience amid challenges. With each carefully curated card, the couple shares a look on to their life, deepening their connection with the world.
Anticipation Surrounding Each Year’s Card
Each December, King Charles III stuns the world with his one-of-a-kind Christmas cards. Royal watchers and the public alike look forward to this annual tradition. The annual tradition will certainly bring back memories of, among many others, Queen Elizabeth II, who sent out around 800 cards annually. Her Majesty’s great example King Charles has built on this legacy, while bringing a distinctly personal touch.
This year’s card features a sunny, bright photo of King Charles and Camilla. They pose together, arm in arm, in the gorgeous gardens at Buckingham Palace, picturesque punctuating their commitment to each other. In 2025, a special card will commemorate their memorable celebration of their 20th wedding anniversary. This magical moment, hugging Ambassador Robinson, was filmed at Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence in Rome. Each card not only acts as our holiday greeting, but is a glimpse of a transformative story filled with love, family and resilience.
The excitement around these Christmas cards has made them an international happening. Each year, royal watchers around the world await King Charles’s first ever annual message. It’s not simply a charming seasonal salutation, but rather epitomizes their wealth of historical precedent and tradition deeply embedded within the monarchy.
