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Royal families opt for intimacy in festive portraits
This year's Christmas cards from Europe's royal households share a common theme: closeness. Families are depicted holding hands, hugging, or leaning into one another, projecting an image of unity and approachability that contrasts sharply with the stiff, formal portraits of decades past.
The Prince and Princess of Wales lead the shift
The British royal family's card, featuring Prince William and Princess Kate with their children, epitomizes this trend. The image captures the family in a relaxed moment on the grounds of Anmer Hall in Norfolk, dressed casually in jeans and jumpers. They sit on the grass, laughing and embracing, a far cry from the rigid poses of earlier generations.
Prince William has previously spoken about modernizing the monarchy's public image, and this card reinforces that vision. The composition feels natural, with the family's gaze meeting the viewer's eye level, symbolizing a monarchy that is both grounded and relatable.
For comparison, the 1969 Christmas card of the British royals shows the family gathered around a boat, smiling but standing apart in formal attire. The scene, while intended to feel modern at the time, now appears staged and distant.
King Charles and Queen Camilla blend formality with affection
King Charles and Queen Camilla's card strikes a balance between warmth and tradition. The photograph, taken during their state visit to Italy in April, shows the couple arm in arm, celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. Queen Camilla wears a lily of the valley brooch, a symbol of enduring love, while the backdrop of Rome's Villa Wolkonsky adds an air of elegance.
The card reflects the couple's public persona-rooted in duty but not devoid of personal connection.
Prince Harry and Meghan's card: movement and modernity
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's "Happy Holiday Season" card departs from the Christmas theme entirely. The image, taken at the Invictus Games in Canada in February, shows the couple holding hands and smiling behind sunglasses, evoking a sense of motion and optimism. The accompanying message, however, maintains a formal tone: "On behalf of the Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex."
Belgium, Spain, and Monaco: tradition meets contemporary style
The Belgian royal family's card presents a polished yet approachable image. Dressed in smart attire, the family stands together in a garden setting, their greeting printed in French, German, Flemish, and English-a nod to Belgium's multilingual culture.
Spain's King Felipe VI and his family opt for a casual countryside walk, blending informality with dynastic gravitas. The setting, a picturesque village in Asturias, underscores the monarchy's connection to Spain's rural heritage. King Felipe's towering height (6ft 6in) required careful staging to avoid overshadowing his family, adding a touch of humor to the composition.
Monaco's royal family, meanwhile, leans into grandeur. Their card features a lavish interior with a roaring fire, formal attire, and a Christmas tree-one of the few cards to explicitly reference the holiday. A small dog, subtly included beside Princess Charlene, adds a playful detail.
Luxembourg and the ex-king's playful twist
The Luxembourg royals, Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie, embrace a festive, chaotic charm. Their card shows the family laughing and playing with their children, surrounded by Christmas decorations and a reindeer toy. The scene feels spontaneous, even if the red-themed color scheme suggests careful planning.
Juan Carlos, the former king of Spain, delivers the most unconventional card of the year. Now living in Abu Dhabi, his festive greeting features five small dogs posed in front of an artificial tree, arranged like a royal portrait. The image is whimsical and unexpected, a far cry from the formality of his reign.
A new era of royal storytelling
This year's Christmas cards reflect a broader shift in how royal families engage with the public. Gone are the days of stiff, distant poses; in their place are images that emphasize warmth, family, and relatability. Whether through casual attire, playful settings, or intimate gestures, Europe's royals are crafting a narrative that feels both personal and modern.
As Prince William's approach demonstrates, the goal is no longer to appear untouchable but to invite the public into their world-one hug, handhold, or holiday card at a time.
