King Charles and Queen Camilla have unveiled their official Christmas card for this year, featuring a poignant portrait taken to celebrate their upcoming 20th wedding anniversary. The photograph, captured by royal photographer Chris Jackson, shows the couple standing together in the grounds of Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence in Rome, where they visited earlier in 2023.
The card is elegantly framed with a dark red border, complementing the printed message inside: “Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.” The couple’s anniversary on April 9, 2025, was marked while they were on a state visit to Italy, where they enjoyed a grand banquet as guests of honour.
In the photograph, Queen Camilla is dressed in a sophisticated white and beige coat dress designed by Anna Valentine, accented with a lily of the valley brooch. Meanwhile, King Charles is seen in a blue pinstripe suit paired with a grey tie and a silk handkerchief tucked into his chest pocket.
Royal Family Christmas Traditions
As Christmas approaches, preparations are underway for the royal festivities at Sandringham in Norfolk. The King is set to host the wider royal family for Christmas Day. Traditionally, the family attends church services on Christmas morning and enjoys a festive turkey roast, followed by the King’s Christmas broadcast, which has become a staple of the holiday for many.
Notably absent from this year’s guest list are Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. The Duke has faced significant scrutiny and was stripped of his royal titles due to his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Last year, in his Christmas address, King Charles paid tribute to the “selfless” healthcare professionals who provided him with “strength, care, and comfort” during his cancer treatment, highlighting the personal challenges he faced.
A Year of Engagements and State Visits
Despite ongoing treatment for his illness, King Charles and Queen Camilla have remained active throughout the year. They undertook several high-profile engagements, including trips to Canada and a meeting with the Pope at the Vatican. Additionally, they hosted three state visits in quick succession, welcoming leaders from France, the United States, and Germany. This marked the first time in nearly 40 years that the UK has hosted three state visits within a single year.
The couple continues to navigate their royal duties while maintaining a focus on family traditions, offering a glimpse of their personal lives through the annual Christmas card, which reaches family, friends, world leaders, and various charities.
