JiveVib

It's the most wonderful time of the year and we're eagerly waiting for all of the royal Christmas cards to be sent our way.

The British royals were one of the first to share their images and their releases are very different to previous years.

While some royal households opt for traditional festive settings, others have gone for a more modern approach.

Take a look through this year's official Christmas portraits from royalty around the world.

And keep coming back to see more when they're released...

DON'T MISS

King Charles and Queen Camilla

It was one of the biggest royal events of the year, so it's no wonder that King Charles and Queen Camilla selected an image from their Coronation day. Taken by Hugo Burnand in Buckingham Palace's Throne Room, it shows the monarch and his wife in their full ceremonial regalia and robes. A wonderful look back at what was a truly historical and momentous occasion. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales

Prince William and Kate's 2023 Christmas card with their family looks straight out of a magazine photoshoot. In a departure from recent years, the Waleses shared a black and white studio portrait, echoing a shot of William taken by Lord Snowdon in 1991. And while it had nods of a traditional royal portrait, William, Kate, George, Charlotte and Louis were all coordinated in white shirts and jeans.

Yorkshire-born and A-list photographer Josh Shinner shared in an Instagram post: "It was such a pleasure to photograph The Prince and Princess of Wales and their family for the Christmas portrait this year. Without doubt one of the most relaxed and enjoyable sittings I’ve ever had, and I now have a whole new set of jokes that are right on my level thanks to the children…"

The Princess Royal

Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence's 2023 Christmas card was shared by the Reliant Motor Club – of which the royal is an honorary member. The image inside the card showed Anne and Tim posing in front of an ornate fireplace. The Princess Royal looked stylish in a white boucle jacket with a navy trim, layered over a white shirt, while Sir Tim donned a suit.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh

Prince Edward and Sophie chose a touching photograph for the 2023 Christmas card, as revealed by The Daily Mail's Richard Eden. 

The image was taken on 10 March 2023 - Edward's 59th birthday and the day that King Charles made him and his wife, Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. 

It was the late Queen and the late Prince Philip's wish that their youngest son Edward would one day take over his father Philip's royal title. 

The message inside Edward and Sophie's card read: "Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year from Edward, Sophie, Louise and James".  

Spanish royal family

The Spanish royal family's Christmas card was taken on a very special day - Princess Leonor's 18th birthday. The Spanish heir to the throne celebrated her milestone on 31 October, when she took part in a swearing-in ceremony before the Cortes Generales. 

Leonor looked elegant in a white suit, while her younger sister, Infanta Sofia, 16, wore a pretty white and blue floral dress. Queen Letizia's petrol blue dress complemented her daughters' ensembles, while King Felipe sported a blue patterned tie. 

A private party took place for Leonor following the ceremony. 

Belgium royal family

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde marked a milestone in July – the tenth year of their reign. The family snap appears to have been taken outside the Royal Palace of Brussels. Queen Mathilde stands out in a bold red dress while her husband and their sons, Prince Gabriel and Prince Emmanuel, match in navy suits. Belgian heir Princess Elisabeth matches with her younger sister, Princess Eleonore, in gold-hued ensembles.

Monaco royal family

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco released a very glamorous Christmas card, with the family in white-tie attire. 

Charlene looks gorgeous in a burnt copper velvet gown with sparkly earrings, while her daughter Princess Gabriella matches her in a crimson velvet dress. 

Prince Jacques looks like his father Albert's mini-me in a tux and bow tie. 

The Greek royal family

Crown Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece delighted her Instagram followers earlier this week with a joyous glimpse of her family Christmas card featuring her husband Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece, and their five children: Olympia, Constantine, Achileas, Odysseas and Aristides. 

Gracing the front of their festive card, the family of seven were pictured beaming from ear to ear in a wholesome black-and-white photo seemingly taken during the summer months. For the special occasion, the Crown Princess looked elegant in a patterned dress, whilst the Crown Prince looked dapper in a linen shirt and matching trousers.

LISTEN:  A Right Royal Podcast: saying goodbye to The Crown 

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