King Charles and Queen Camilla Unveil Anniversary Portrait for Christmas card
A heartwarming image celebrating two decades of marriage will grace the official Christmas card of King Charles and Queen Camilla this year. The portrait, taken during a state visit to Italy, offers a glimpse into the royal couple’s personal and public life as they prepare for the festive season.
A Milestone Anniversary
The couple marked their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9, 2025, while on royal duty in Italy. They commemorated the occasion with a grand banquet, solidifying their commitment to both their roles as monarchs and their enduring partnership. The chosen photograph for the Christmas card captures a tender moment from earlier in the year, taken on the grounds of Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence in Rome.
The Portrait and its Symbolism
Royal photographer Chris Jackson captured the image, which features the King and Queen standing side-by-side. Queen camilla’s arm is linked with King Charles’,a gesture that speaks to their close bond. She is elegantly dressed in a white and beige coat dress designed by Anna Valentine, complemented by a delicate lily of the valley brooch. King Charles is pictured in a classic blue pinstripe suit, finished with a gray tie and a silk handkerchief.
The card itself is framed by a dark red border,with the message “Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year” printed in a matching hue. This annual tradition sees the King and Queen sending hundreds of cards to a diverse range of recipients, including family, friends, world leaders, diplomats, charities, and organizations.
Christmas at Sandringham and a Notable Absence
King Charles is preparing to host the royal family at Sandringham in Norfolk for Christmas Day, continuing a long-held tradition.Last year, the Prince of Wales revealed the festivities typically involve a gathering of 45 family members “all in one room.” Though, this year’s guest list will notably exclude Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
The former prince has been removed from royal duties and stripped of his titles due to his associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision underscores the monarchy’s commitment to upholding standards of public trust and accountability.
Conventional Festivities
The royal family traditionally attends church on Christmas morning, followed by a traditional turkey roast with all the trimmings. The day culminates with the King’s annual Christmas broadcast,a televised address to the nation and the Commonwealth. This year’s message is anticipated to reflect on the past year and offer a message of hope for the future.
Why: King Charles and Queen Camilla released a Christmas card featuring a portrait taken during their 20th wedding anniversary celebration in Italy. The card also acknowledges a significant change in the royal family’s Christmas gathering.
Who: The key figures are King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince Andrew, and Sarah Ferguson. chris Jackson, the royal photographer, also played a role.
What: The release of the Christmas card marks the couple’s 20th wedding anniversary and signals a shift in family dynamics with the exclusion of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson from Christmas festivities at Sandringham.
How did it end?: prince Andrew’s exclusion from the Christmas gathering is a direct result of his association with Jeffrey Epstein,leading to his removal from royal duties and a loss of titles. The monarchy is attempting to distance itself from the scandal and uphold public trust.The Christmas card serves as a public display of the King and Queen’s continued commitment to their roles and partnership.
