What are royal Christmas cards trying to tell us?

Every year, the royal family sends out Christmas cards, and people love to look for hidden messages in them. This year, Prince William and Catherine chose a lovely family photo taken in Norfolk, where they are seen with their three children. The picture was taken in August, and it shows them enjoying nature with trees and greenery around them. The royal Christmas cards have become a fun tradition, and each year they change their style and the messages they share. King Charles and Queen Camilla also sent out a card this year, and it shows them looking relaxed and happy. This card is special because it was the first photo taken after King Charles was given the go-ahead to return to his royal duties after starting his cancer treatment. The picture captures a moment of relief and joy for the couple. The message on their card is printed in red and looks like an old-fashioned party invitation. Interestingly, royal Christmas cards usually do not show snowy scenes or robins, which is quite different from what many people expect during the holiday season. Prince Harry and Meghan have their own unique style for their Christmas cards. They like to add a bit of sparkle, making their cards feel more like movie credits than traditional holiday greetings. Their card this year included several photos of their family, showing them having fun together. The message reads: 'On behalf of the Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke & Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions and Archewell Foundation, we wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful new year. ' This cheerful message is sent as an e-card and features six pictures of the couple and their children, which is a nice change from the usual single image. The card has a very American feel, wishing everyone a 'Happy Holiday Season' without mentioning Christmas, which makes sense since they have been living in the United States for a while now. King Charles and Queen Camilla's card this year had a personal touch, showing them in a grey suit and a long blue dress, standing in front of some shrubs. The message on their card wishes everyone a 'very Happy Christmas and New Year. ' In recent years, Prince William and Catherine have chosen more casual photos for their Christmas cards, often wearing jeans and no ties, which gives a modern family vibe. This year's card kept that relaxed style but also had a deeper meaning. It was taken from a video that shared emotional messages about a tough year since Catherine's cancer diagnosis. The card reflects love and togetherness, which is a beautiful message to share during the holidays. Last year's card from the Prince and Princess of Wales also featured a casual family photo, showing them dressed in smart, casual clothes. The black-and-white photograph had a stylish look, almost like an advertisement for jeans. Prince William cares a lot about sustainability, so maybe next year's card will be made from recycled materials. Christmas cards can be like little time capsules, capturing special moments. For example, in 1995, Prince William was seen with his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, and his brother, Prince Harry, in a touching black-and-white photo. This card brings back memories of a different time. Diana's card from that year showed her smiling with her two sons, creating a sense of family closeness that many royal cards aim to convey. The late Queen Elizabeth II often appeared with Prince Philip in their Christmas cards, and King Charles and Queen Camilla have continued this tradition by using images of themselves as a couple. Over the years, they have also included fun props in their cards. For instance, in 2019, they were pictured in a vintage sports car during a trip to Cuba, which made for a fun and memorable card. The royal family has always emphasized family in their Christmas cards, but they also like to experiment with different settings. In 1969, the royal family was photographed around a speedboat, looking cheerful and formal. The Belgian royal family takes a more traditional approach to their Christmas cards, often featuring formal family photos. Their card for 2025 included a message in multiple languages, which reflects the diverse nature of their country. However, it also risks looking a bit like a menu from a train. This year, the Spanish royals used their card to address serious issues, including a tribute to the victims of recent floods in Valencia. Their card featured a family photo on the front, but inside, there was a heartfelt poem honoring those affected by the disaster. Christmas cards can sometimes surprise us with their messages. For example, Prince Charles and Camilla's 2016 card showed them during a visit to Croatia, which was an unexpected choice. Some cards even have historical significance, like the wartime Christmas card sent by a young Princess Elizabeth in 1942. It captures a moment in time, showing her looking into an uncertain future. Christmas cards often carry a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of the passing of time. As we send out our own holiday greetings, we can appreciate the stories and memories that these royal cards hold.