King Charles III and Queen Camilla have unveiled their Christmas card for 2024, marking their third festive greeting since Charles ascended the throne in September 2022. The photograph, taken by Millie Pilkington in the gardens of Buckingham Palace in April 2023, captures the royals in a notably simpler and more approachable setting compared to last year’s lavish portrayal.
What Were They Wearing?
In the image, King Charles III is seen wearing a gray suit with a blue tie, posing with his right hand in his pocket. Queen Camilla dons a blue wool crepe dress designed by Fiona Clare, as reported by Stern. The couple is surrounded by pink and violet flowers that provide a contrast to the lush green surroundings, creating a serene and natural backdrop for the festive greeting.
The simplicity of this year’s card reflects a return to normality in the lives of the British Royals, Die Presse observes. The message inside the card reads, “We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” conveying their holiday wishes with typical British simplicity.
Last Year’s Christmas Card
Last year’s Christmas card was markedly different, featuring the King and Queen in full regalia following their coronation. The previous photo showed them in splendid ceremonial clothing, with King Charles III wearing the Imperial State Crown and the state robe, and Queen Camilla adorned in her coronation gown and crown, according to Stern. The 2022 card presented a more formal and grandiose image of the monarchy, highlighting the significance of their coronation.
The shift towards a more understated and personal image this year signifies a change in how the royal couple wishes to be perceived by the public. By choosing a photo taken in a casual garden setting, they appear more relatable and down-to-earth. The sunny weather in which the photograph was taken adds to the warm and cheerful atmosphere of the card.
King Charles III celebrated his 76th birthday on November 14, 2023. Traditionally, he celebrates his birthday twice: once on the actual date and again on the second Saturday in June. The second celebration is marked by the colorful parade Trooping the Colour, where the Royals lead a procession of hundreds of Guardsmen along The Mall in London.
In previous years, their Christmas greetings have varied in style and theme. In 2022, for their first Christmas greeting message as reigning monarchs, the couple chose a photo from the Highland Games in Scotland, which King Charles III opened at the time, Stern reports. That photo was taken just five days before the death of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), adding a poignant touch to the greeting.
Royal Familiy’s Traditions
As the holiday season approaches, the release of the Christmas card is a reminder of the royal family’s ongoing traditions and their role in British culture. The gesture of sending out festive greetings is a longstanding practice, and around 2,700 cards are expected to be sent to people around the world, including family members, friends, politicians, and organizations, as reported by Stern.
The British Royals have opted for a simpler and more personal approach in their 2024 Christmas card, moving away from the grandeur of their coronation imagery. The choice of a natural garden setting and casual attire emphasizes a return to normality and a desire to connect with the public on a more personal level.
