For 102 years, a curious tradition has defined the British Royal Family's festive greetings. While the world expects scenes of winter wonderlands, the annual Christmas cards from senior royals consistently feature sun-drenched backdrops, summer attire, and not a snowflake in sight. This deliberate choice, far from being an oversight, is a deeply symbolic act of public relations designed to project optimism and strength as the new year approaches.
The Symbolism Behind the Sunshine
According to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, the avoidance of wintry imagery is a calculated move by the Firm. 'A royal card is invariably a photograph of the senders. If they looked kitted out for harsh weather, it might be viewed as symbolic, especially if the royal family has had a tough year,' he explained. Describing the card as 'an important public relations statement', Fitzwilliams notes that the message 'must be positive'. A warm, bright image is chosen to convey a sense of hope and renewal, steering clear of any unintended metaphors of hardship.
This strategy was perfectly exemplified in the 2025 Christmas card released by the Prince and Princess of Wales. The heartwarming image, taken by photographer Josh Shinner in Norfolk last April, shows William, Kate, and their three children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven—beaming while seated on grass surrounded by spring daffodils.
A Touching Glimpse into Family Life
Posted on Kensington Palace's social media with the simple caption 'Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas', the photograph offers a touching insight into the family's close bond. Princess Charlotte is seen resting her head on her father's shoulder, while young Louis sits between William's legs. Fitzwilliams hailed it as the 'perfect example of a Christmas card', using rural settings to convey charm and good tidings.
'A daffodil-covered backdrop in the countryside has the feel of healing and rebirth which is an integral part of the festive season,' he added, particularly poignant given that Kate, who promotes outdoor life for children, is in remission from cancer.
This theme of summer warmth extends to King Charles III and Queen Camilla's 2025 card, released on December 6. Their card features a photograph taken in April in the grounds of Villa Wolkonsky, the British Ambassador's residence in Rome, during their state visit to Italy. The image, captured to mark their 20th wedding anniversary, similarly bathes the couple in fine weather and blooming foliage.
A Century-Old Tradition of Optimism
The tradition of sunny Christmas cards is not new. During the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II, her annual greetings became renowned for their eclectic mix of formal and informal images, almost invariably taken during the summer months. From the 1972 card featuring the young family to the 1957 greeting with a five-year-old Prince Charles, 'bad weather is absent,' as Fitzwilliams notes.
The expert suggests that by avoiding clichéd snowy scenes, the royals create a timeless masterpiece. 'Christmas cards are a tradition, and traditions should periodically be altered or they can become stale,' he explained.
Other royals continue the practice. Princess Anne's recent card, shared by the Governor of Queensland, features an informal image of her and husband Sir Timothy Laurence riding in a carriage during a visit to Sark in May. Fans praised its humility, contrasting it with the approach of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 2024 card departed from the single-image format, using multiple photos from a trip to Colombia, which Fitzwilliams critiqued by saying 'clutter should be avoided'. Their 2021 card, revealing Princess Lilibet's face for the first time, also followed the warm-weather theme, showing the family barefoot and in breezy shirts.
For over a century, through changing times and personal challenges, the royal Christmas card has served as a steadfast beacon of deliberate optimism. By choosing blossoms over blizzards and sunshine over snow, the monarchy continues to send a unified message of hope and resilience with every season's greeting.
