The British Royal Family has officially ushered in the festive season with the heartwarming release of their annual Christmas portraits for 2025. These carefully curated images, shared from different corners of the globe, have once again captured the public's imagination and emotional investment in the monarchy's personal celebrations.
The Sussexes' Intimate Forest Moment
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, took the lead by sharing a joyful family photograph. The image, radiating holiday love, features the Duchess bending down in a flowy white maxi dress, holding hands with her daughter, Princess Lilibet. Lilibet is dressed in a charming light blue striped dress. Prince Archie is seen in a casual beige cardigan with black elbow patches and jeans, happily hugging his father. Prince Harry, almost twinning with his son, wears a white shirt and denim jeans. The entire Sussex family, beaming with smiles, was photographed on a small wooden bridge set within a dense, greenery-filled forest.
The Wales Family Amidst Spring Daffodils
Just a day before, the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, shared their official family portrait. The photograph was captured by photographer Josh Shinner in Norfolk back in April. Prince William sports a collared blue shirt layered with an olive green, oversized crew-neck cardigan and blue jeans. Catherine, seated beside him, looks elegant in a white tucked-in shirt paired with an oversized black sweater and matching pants. Their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—beautifully coordinate with their parents in a palette of black, white, and olive green. The family is surrounded by the cheerful bloom of spring daffodils.
King Charles and Queen Camilla's Regal Display
Earlier in December, King Charles III and Queen Camilla set the tone by releasing their fourth Christmas portrait since his accession to the throne. They selected a sophisticated photograph taken during their visit to Rome. King Charles is pictured in a sharp blue suit, a white shirt, and a printed tie. Queen Camilla stands beside him in an elegant off-white fit-and-flare knee-length dress, complemented by graceful black stockings. A notable detail is her lily of the valley brooch, a symbol widely recognized as representing enduring love.
A Cherished Royal Tradition
The release of these annual Christmas portraits is not a formal obligation but a long-standing and cherished tradition within the British Royal Family. This custom has been observed consistently for decades. It traces its roots back to the era of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who famously sent around 750 Christmas cards each year featuring a selected family photograph. The current generation of royals is proudly continuing this tradition, offering the world a curated glimpse into their festive celebrations and family unity.
