Perhaps a memo was shared among European regal families, as many the latest Yuletide messages showcase notably comparable photographs of households holding on to one another affectionately.
Making contact, linking arms, hand in hand, enveloping—these gestures uniformly communicate messages about the bond these families are to each other.
It's as if a regal bond is at work, uniting them in their holiday photos. This is the time of the relatable royal family.
The Wales Family Set the Tone
Prince William and Catherine stand as pioneering the trend, with a Christmas card featuring a laid-back, informal family unit snuggling with each other in the countryside of Norfolk.
As with their previous greeting, they persist with a style that is a world apart from a stiff, ceremonial photograph, instead presenting a parental unit having fun together on a day in spring, exuding warmth, wearing jeans and jumpers.
The Prince of Wales has spoken of making changes in his approach to the monarchy.
Such a portrait projects an image that they're similar to every family, with sights not condescending to the viewer, truly grounded, seated upon the grass.
A Contrast: The Formality of Bygone Eras
Set that against to the 1969 holiday greeting, which features the monarchs laughing, smiling and gathered around a boat. Presumably this was intended to seem informal and modern.
However they're quite rigidly clothed, they're all standing apart and it seems they've just been awarded a trophy on a television contest.
King Charles and Camilla: A Show of Unity
Returning to 2025 and Charles and Queen Camilla are arm in arm in their seasonal portrait—a demonstration of unity in what's been a hectic year.
The photograph is a mix of the warm and the ceremonial, taken on the first day of the diplomatic tour to Italy, when the couple were celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary.
Queen Camilla is wearing a May lily brooch, a symbol of abiding love.
That trip was in April, which explains the seasonal background for this Yuletide image. The scene is a Roman villa in Rome, the stately abode of the UK's envoy to Italy.
Harry and The Duchess: A Seasonal Snapshot
Harry and The Duchess are clasping hands in their seasonal message—or in fact, a "Happy Holidays" card.
Unlike others they've captured the season right, with some Yuletide flurries featured in a picture from the international competition in Canada in February.
They look like a trendy couple, grinning positively from behind their sunglasses. It's got a impression of movement.
Yet the framing of the sentiment isn't so intimate: "On behalf of the Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex."
European Monarchs: A Range of Styles
From Belgium to the Iberian nation and the microstate, various regal dynasties have opted for different approaches for their holiday cards.
- The Belgian family shared a more formal assembled image, wearing suits and ties with a bit of greenery.
- The Spanish royals blended approaches, conveying a casual, approachable domestic picture in a pastoral setting that highlights local villages.
- The Principality of Monaco's portrait is much grander, featuring a large fire, oil paintings, formal clothes, and a tiny dog beside the Princess.
- The Luxembourg family opted for a relaxed yet polished look, featuring childlike energy, a decorated tree, and holiday colors for a truly holiday atmosphere.
The Uncontested Winner
However there was unanimous agreement for the most memorable greeting. Juan Carlos, who relinquished the throne in 2014, released an delightfully unexpected royal Christmas card.
Several canine companions pose in front of an festive tree, looking majestic in a quasi traditional regal lineup. However, it's more playful than Bach.
What does it mean? Illumination glints on the dogs' tags. They gaze upward with crumpled faces. The holidays are here and that's a time for reflection.
The latest crop of monarchial seasonal messages collectively paints a image of today's royalty: emphasizing warmth, approachability, and domestic bonds above stiff formality.
