Iconic Royal Family Christmas cards through the years after Firm share season's greetings
Royal fans have been thrown into a festive frenzy after both Princess Anne and the Sussexes released their Christmas cards. Anne, 74, chose a photo of her and her husband, Sir Timothy Lawrence, for their Christmas offering.
In the snap, the couple, who have been married for 32 years, are seen riding in a carriage after their appearance at the Order of the Garter service, hosted at Windsor Castle in June. The card shared Anne and Timothy's "Best Wishes for a Happy and Peaceful New Year".
Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan shared a rare image of Archie and Lilibet running into their parents' open arms, along with the family's hopes for "a very happy holiday season and a joyful new year".
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The release of the royal Christmas card has become a highly-anticipated holiday tradition, which has evolved over time to include a heartfelt message and intimate portrait of the usually-private royals.
As we wait for the Prince and Princess of Wales to share their 2024 card, we look back at some of the Royals' festive highlights, which have spread Christmas cheer and made bold statements about a changing monarchy.
2023: The Wales family
In 2023, Prince William and Princess Catherine made headlines with their understated monochrome Christmas portrait, which many compared to an editorial fashion shoot. The couple and their three children appeared in button-down shirts and jeans and struck laid-back poses, showcasing the modernity of the up-and-coming monarch and his family.
2021: The Sussex family
A year after they stepped down from royal duties, the Sussexes marked another major milestone - the birth of their daughter, Lilibet “Lili” Diana. The couple's 2021 Christmas card shared the first ever public photograph of their second child, who was born in June 2021.
The card gushed: "This year, 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Lilibet, to the world. Archie made us a ‘Mama’ and a ‘Papa’, and Lili made us a family.”
2005: King Charles, Queen Camilla, and their wedding party
The newlyweds Charles and Camilla - then the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall - celebrated their marriage in 2005 by choosing a photograph from the ceremony to mark Christmas. The card presented a modern image of the Royal Family, as the then-56-year-old prince proudly posed with his second wife, then aged 57, in a marriage that was a major break from tradition.
1993: Princess Dianna and her sons
The year after Princess Diana and Prince Charles ended their 11-year marriage, Diana made a defiant statement through her Christmas card. The proud mother posed with her two young sons, with Harry gazing adoringly up at her. The divorcée is dressed in a chic trouser suit with cropped hair - the epitome of a strong, independent woman.
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