Buckingham Palace has officially revealed the Christmas card that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will send out for the 2025 festive season. The announcement provides the public with a first glimpse of the personal greeting that will be dispatched to friends, family, and dignitaries across the globe.
A Balmoral Portrait Captures Royal Warmth
The chosen image for the 2025 card is a relaxed and smiling photograph of the King and Queen, taken during their summer residence at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The setting is significant, as the royal family often spends private time at the Aberdeenshire estate, and the picture is said to reflect a happy moment from their stay there. The photograph successfully captures a sense of informal warmth between the monarch and his consort.
This year's selection continues the tradition of using a personal photograph for the official holiday greeting, a practice that offers a more intimate view of the royals compared to formal state portraits. The image was taken by a trusted photographer, though the Palace has not publicly named the individual behind the lens on this occasion.
Supporting a Cause Close to the King's Heart
In a move that aligns with the King's long-standing charitable commitments, the Palace confirmed that sales of the card will benefit one of his patronages. Proceeds will go towards supporting the work of the British Red Cross, an organisation of which King Charles has been a proud patron for many years.
This decision underscores the royal couple's desire to use the card's popularity for philanthropic good. The British Red Cross, known for its emergency response and community support services both in the UK and internationally, will receive a welcome boost from the initiative. It is a practical way to channel public interest in the monarchy into tangible aid.
The Evolving Tradition of the Royal Christmas Card
The unveiling of the annual Christmas card is now a keenly anticipated moment in the royal calendar, offering insight into the year's highlights for the senior working royals. The choice of the Balmoral photograph for 2025 follows last year's card, which featured a different official portrait.
Observers note that the style and setting of these cards often reflect the personal tastes and current focus of the sovereign. The use of a picture from Balmoral, a place deeply associated with the late Queen Elizabeth II, also subtly reinforces continuity within the monarchy while establishing King Charles's own chapter.
The cards are expected to be printed and sent out in the coming weeks ahead of the December festivities. While the primary recipients are those on the royal household's mailing list, the public release of the design allows everyone to share in this aspect of the royal family's Christmas tradition.
The announcement has been met with positive public interest, with many praising the photograph's genuine and cheerful nature. It serves as a festive prelude to the royal family's Christmas celebrations, which will traditionally be spent at Sandringham in Norfolk.
