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Perhaps a trend went around among the continent's royal households, given that numerous this year's Christmas cards feature strikingly similar photographs of households embracing one another affectionately.

Making contact, arm in arm, clasping palms, embracing—these actions uniformly communicate a narrative about the intimacy the royals are to each other.

It's as if a monarchial adhesive is at work, uniting them in these Christmas portraits. This is the age of the approachable monarchy.

The Wales Family Set the Tone

The Prince and Princess of Wales have been pioneering the trend, with a Christmas card showing a casual, unceremonious family unit cosying up to each other in the Norfolk countryside.

As with last year's card, they are continuing a aesthetic that is distinctly different from a rigid, ceremonial photograph, instead presenting a young family enjoying themselves together on a spring day, full of affection, wearing denim and sweaters.

William has discussed shifting the approach in his handling of the monarchy.

Such a portrait conveys an notion that they're like any other family, with eye-lines not condescending to the viewer, literally down to earth, resting on the grass.

A Contrast: The Formality of Earlier Times

Compare that with a 1969 holiday greeting, which features the royal family chuckling, smiling and grouped about a boat. One imagines this was intended to seem relaxed and contemporary.

But they're fairly stiffly dressed, they're all positioned separately and it appears as if they've just been given an award on a quiz program.

Charles and Camilla: A Show of Unity

Returning to 2025 and King Charles and Queen Camilla are linked together in their seasonal portrait—a demonstration of unity in what's been a busy year.

The photograph is a combination of the friendly and the official, taken on the first day of the state visit to Italy, when the duo were celebrating their 20th year of matrimony.

The Queen is adorned with a lily of the valley brooch, a emblem of abiding love.

That visit was in April, which explains the seasonal background for this Christmas card. The location is Villa Wolkonsky in Rome, the elegant abode of the UK's ambassador to Italy.

Harry and The Duchess: A Festive Image

Harry and The Duchess are clasping hands in their seasonal message—or in fact, a "Season's Greetings" card.

In contrast to some they've captured the season right, with some festive snow shown in a image from the adaptive sports event in Canada in February.

They appear like a fashionable duo, beaming positively from behind their sunglasses. It's got a feeling of movement.

However the presentation of the sentiment is not particularly close: "Issued by the team of the Duke and Duchess, Duke and Duchess of Sussex."

Other Monarchs: An Assortment of Approaches

Examining the Belgian monarchy to the Iberian nation and the microstate, additional monarchial houses have selected different styles for their holiday cards.

• Belgium's family presented a more ceremonial assembled image, dressed in formal wear among a bit of greenery.
• The Spanish royal royals combined aesthetics, projecting a informal, friendly household scene in a pastoral setting that champions small communities.
• The Principality of Monaco's card is much grander, featuring a fireplace, portraits, evening wear, and a pet beside Princess Charlene.
• The Luxembourg family went with a smart casual look, filled with childlike energy, a Christmas tree, and splashes of red for a genuinely holiday feel.

The Clear Winner

But there was unanimous agreement for the most memorable greeting. Juan Carlos, who relinquished the throne in 2014, issued an utterly charming royal Christmas card.

A quintet of puppies stand in front of an festive tree, looking regal in a quasi formal dynastic image. Yet, it's less about classical music than formality.

What does it mean? Illumination shimmers on the dogs' baubles. They gaze upward with adorably wrinkled faces. It's Christmas and that's a time for paws for thought.

Contemporary selection of regal holiday greetings as a group offers a picture of the contemporary Crown: embracing closeness, accessibility, and family ties above aloof tradition.