Royal Couple Selects Meaningful Rome Portrait for Festive Greeting
Buckingham Palace has unveiled the official Christmas card for King Charles III and Queen Camilla, offering a festive glimpse into the monarchs' personal celebrations for 2025. In a poignant choice, the couple has selected a portrait taken during their milestone 20th wedding anniversary celebrations earlier this year.
The photograph, which will be sent to hundreds of recipients worldwide, features the King and Queen standing together in the serene gardens of Villa Wolkonsky in Rome. This historic location serves as the official residence of the British Ambassador to Italy. The image captures a moment of quiet companionship, with Queen Camilla linking her arm through the King's.
A Card with Personal and Historical Significance
The chosen image is deeply symbolic, marking the couple's 20 years of marriage on 9 April 2025. They reached this significant milestone while undertaking a state visit to Italy, spending their anniversary evening as guests of honour at a grand banquet. The card's design frames the photograph with a dark red border, with a matching festive message printed inside reading, "Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year."
Renowned royal photographer Chris Jackson, who frequently works for the Palace, captured the portrait. For the occasion, Queen Camilla wore a sophisticated white and beige coat dress designed by Anna Valentine, accessorised with a delicate lily of the valley brooch. King Charles opted for a classic blue pinstripe suit, complemented by a grey tie and a silk handkerchief in his chest pocket.
Festive Traditions and Family Gatherings
This annual tradition sees the monarch send out cards to a wide circle of family, friends, world leaders, diplomats, charities, and various organisations. The release of the card coincides with preparations for the royal family's Christmas celebrations, which are typically held at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
As in previous years, King Charles is expected to host the wider royal family for Christmas Day. The Prince of Wales previously mentioned hosting around 45 relatives, indicating a large, traditional gathering. However, the guest list will notably not include Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, following the Duke's removal from working royal duties.
The day's festivities traditionally include the walk to church on Christmas morning, a classic turkey roast with all the trimmings, and the family gathering to watch the King's pre-recorded Christmas broadcast on television. This year's card, with its intimate Roman backdrop, adds a personal touch to the public-facing traditions of the season.
