The unveiling of the Royal Family’s official Christmas cards is a major annual event for royal fans – and one that goes back many generations. Long before the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge became famous for their sweet family knot, the Queen’s grandparents, Prince Albert Edward (later King George V) and Mary Teck, painted a commendable portrait of their young son, Bertie (Future King George VI). Years later, the Queen embraced the tradition herself, sending out cards containing images of her growing family once she was on the throne.
Today, the monarch and Prince Philip issue a staggering number of cards – around 750 each Christmas – usually featuring a family photo from that year. Warmly signed ‘Elizabeth R’ and ‘Philip’ (as well as the couple’s official cyphers), these special messages will be sent to family members, friends, and members of the Royal Family, as well as British Prime Ministers and their ‘Commonwealth, Governor-General and High Commissioners. The Duke of Edinburgh also has another 200 cards sent to various regiments and organizations near his heart.
The practice was later performed by the Queen’s children and grandchildren. When Prince Charles was married to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, he handed out cards in the couple who did not have many princes William and Harry. Now, Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are sending out cards to themselves, sending them to friends, family and supporters as well as some lucky lucky fans. This year, for example, the Cambridges sent cards to NHS staff – with some even including a special handwritten note from Prince William, thanking staff for their vital service. this year.
Read on for a look back at some Tatleryour favorite royal Christmas cards through history: