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The history of the Royal family’s Christmas card
As I’ve recently started designing 2024’s photo Christmas cards, I started wondering when these cards became popular in the UK and also about that most coveted Christmas card – one from the Royal family.
Apparently, the modern tradition of the British royal family sending Christmas cards began with King George V and Queen Mary. Their first Christmas card, sent in 1914 during World War I, included a simple message and expressed wishes of goodwill to the troops and their families.
King George VI, father of Queen Elizabeth II, and his wife, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother), continued the tradition, sending Christmas cards to family members, friends, and staff. Their cards usually included portraits of the royal family, giving them a personal touch.
It was Queen Elizabeth II who started featuring photographs of her family. Over the years, the cards have become an annual tradition, with the Queen and Prince Philip usually selecting a photograph taken during the year that highlighted a special event or milestone.
Prince Charles and Princess Diana carried on this tradition, often showing the family in more relaxed settings, reflecting a modern and relatable royal image.
After Charles and Diana separated, they began sending separate Christmas cards. Diana’s cards, particularly in the 1990s, became highly sought after by collectors due to her global popularity.
And now the Prince and Princess of Wales have carried on the tradition with their own family – with the Princess of Wales often taking the photo.
Who are the lucky recipients of the Royal Christmas cards?
Royal Christmas cards are typically sent to a wide range of recipients, including family members, friends, heads of state, and members of the royal household and some are signed by hand, adding a personal touch.
Collector’s Items
Royal Christmas cards, especially older ones or cards featuring rare photographs, are highly collectible. Cards from significant years, such as Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 or Princess Diana’s last Christmas cards in the 1990s, are particularly valued.
Order yours
If you’d like to follow suit and send a photo card, you can order yours online, or for something more bespoke, please just get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.