The Christmas and holiday season cards from some of the world's royal households have been released.
Once sent only to those on the royal Christmas card list, now we can all enjoy the images as they're shared on Instagram.
With different celebrations held around the world, the cards reflect each country’s culture and traditions, but all share the common thread of wishing everyone a happy and peaceful December, and reflecting on traditions, as well as looking forward to the New Year.
Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
Sweden's Crown Princess, her husband Daniel and their two children, Estelle, 8, and Oscar, 4, have been enjoying a traditional Swedish Christmas, which involves lighting the advent wreath. The royal family also paid a visit to the Stockholm City Mission, where they donated and wrapped toys to be distributed to families in need across the city.
Prince Edward and Countess Sophie
The Earl and Countess of Wessex shared their Christmas card for 2020 with a photo that was taken during their visit to Vauxhall City Farm in London back in October. And although the card didn't feature their children, Lady Louise Windsor, 17, and James, Viscount Severn, 13, the pair joined their parents in signing their names inside. With the traditional royal Christmas cancelled this year, the family is thought to be spending the festive season at their home, Bagshot Park in Surrey.
Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium
The Belgian royal family's Christmas card this year features Princess Eleonore, Prince Gabriel, Queen Mathilde, King Philippe, Princess Elisabeth and Prince Emmanuel. The family posed in front of the Christmas crib before attending a Christmas Concert by the Scala Choir at the royal palace, with the throne room at the palace decorated in traditional fashion.
King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway
Norway's royal family gathered around the Christmas tree for their Christmas card this year, which was taken at the royal palace in Oslo. The picture featured King Harald, Queen Sonja, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Prince Sverre Magnus, Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia of Spain
This year, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain chose to share the inside of their family Christmas card, which featured a photo of Princess Leonor, 15, and Princess Sofia, 13, which was taken in Somao, Asturias. Inside, the card was signed by all four family members and reads: "May this Christmas bring us a specially hopeful New Year 2021".
Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla
The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall’s Christmas card might not be very festive, but it is certainly bright and cheerful. Taken in what looks to be the height of summer, with the pair surrounded by stunning flowers, the image was captured in the garden of Birkhall, Scotland.
Birkhall is the private residence of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. It’s also the former home of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, on the Balmoral estate on Royal Deeside, who described it as a “little big house”.
Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton
With the five members of the family all comfortably clad in autumnal colours, William and Kate's photo is far more wintry than Charles and Camilla's. Featuring their three children, George, 7, Charlotte, 5, and Louis, 2, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared their card with the caption: "The Duke and Duchess are delighted to share a new image of their family, which features on their Christmas card this year."
Queen Rania and King Abdullah of Jordan
Queen Rania shared a card to mark the holiday season, appearing alongside her husband, King of Jordan Abdullah II, and their four children, Crown Prince Hussein, 26, Princess Iman, 24, Princess Salma, 20, and Prince Hashem, 15. The Queen wrote: "This year, even as we have kept our distance, we've all held our loved ones a little closer in our hearts. Sending prayers for health and happiness to all."
Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia of Sweden
Recently revealing that they are expecting their third child, a sibling for Prince Alexander, 4, and Prince Gabriel, 3, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia of Sweden also shared a special holiday season card. Commemorating the Third Sunday of Advent and St Lucia’s Day, the day is a festival of lights in Sweden, Norway and Swedish-speaking Finland to commemorate the martyr St Lucia. The family also shared a video of Prince Carl lighting the commemorative candles.
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Read more:
Christmas in the Middle East: Preparations around the region – in pictures
Deck the halls: inside the Dubai home with a snowmaker and candy cane backyard
From Fair Isle fishermen to Mark Darcy: how the ugly Christmas jumper became a festive mainstay
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