King Charles III and Queen Camilla have selected a photograph taken during their state visit to Rome for their official Christmas card this year.
The image, captured in April, portrays the smiling couple standing side-by-side along a garden path. The card conveys the greeting: “Wishing you a very happy Christmas and New Year.”
In the photograph, the King is positioned on the left, wearing a dark blue suit complemented by a grey tie, while the Queen is elegantly dressed in a white and beige coat dress.
This marks their fourth Christmas card since Charles ascended to the throne.
The photograph was taken by Chris Jackson within the grounds of the Villa Wolkonsky, the residence of the British ambassador in Rome.
Notably, the image commemorates the King and Queen’s 20th wedding anniversary.
Queen Camilla also adorns a lily of the valley brooch, a symbolic emblem of enduring love.
This year’s selection, similar to last year’s, presents a more relaxed portrayal compared to the formal photograph chosen for Christmas 2023.
Last year’s image, taken by Millie Pilkington, depicted the King returning to public duties following his diagnosis and treatment for cancer.
The couple was photographed smiling in the gardens of Buckingham Palace on a sunny day.
In 2023, King Charles and Queen Camilla chose an image of themselves in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace following their coronation.
The release of official Christmas card images is a customary practice for senior members of the Royal Family.
The royal couple will dedicate several days to personally signing the cards before they are dispatched to recipients worldwide, including family, friends, global leaders, and various organizations.
As the UK’s Head of State, King Charles undertakes numerous parliamentary and constitutional responsibilities.
Considerations for New Year’s Honours, the King’s Birthday Honours, and other national accolades are underway.
King Charles is scheduled to host the first state visit from Germany in 27 years at Windsor this week.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s visit marks the third state visit hosted at Windsor this year.
Recent polls indicate a decline in public approval for the monarchy, prompting questions about potential strategies for King Charles and Prince William to regain support for the institution.