The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have unveiled their official Christmas card for 2024, offering the public a charming glimpse into their recent overseas tour with previously unseen photographs from Japan.
A Festive Glimpse into the Japan Tour
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie selected two candid snaps from their five-day visit to the country in September for this year's festive greeting. The card features a playful side-by-side display, with one image showing the Duke, equipped with two walking sticks and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, carefully navigating a rickety wooden bridge during a hike.
The adjacent picture captures a pensive Duchess, gazing out at a breathtaking landscape dominated by a huge, snow-covered mountain. The couple's good humour shines through in the caption, which reads: 'Sophie taking the high road and Edward taking the slightly wobbly one!'
Inside the Card: Sumo and Seasonal Wishes
Opening the card reveals a third, heartwarming photograph taken during the couple's attendance at a sumo wrestling match at Tokyo's famed Ryogoku Kokugikan arena. The image shows Edward and Sophie sharing a smile, with the caption joking they were 'sizing each other up' in the spirit of the sport.
Alongside this doting picture was the couple's heartfelt seasonal message: 'Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.' The card was signed by Sophie, Edward, and their two children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, the Earl of Wessex. The back of the card proudly displays the couple's personal insignia—an elegant 'E' overlapping an 'S' to represent their initials.
A Week of Royal Festive Releases
The Edinburghs' card release comes just two days after the Prince and Princess of Wales shared their own family Christmas card on Thursday. The Wales' card features a new photograph of Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—taken in Norfolk last April.
Meanwhile, King Charles III and Queen Camilla chose a portrait from their 20th wedding anniversary celebrations for their official Christmas card, which was made public on December 6.
The royal family's festive spirit was further on display this week when senior members gathered for the King's annual pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrived with their daughter Louise, joining other royals including the Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children.
This year's cards provide a personal touch from the working royals, blending family warmth with glimpses of their official duties and travels, as they extend their Christmas wishes to the public.
