Royal family unveil Christmas cards as Kate and William pose for black and white portrait

A coronation image was selected for the King and Queen’s Christmas card while the Prince and Princess of Wales opted for a family photo

The King and Queen have chosen a coronation day photograph taken at Buckingham Palace for their Christmas card this year.

The formal image, showing Charles and Camilla in the palace throne room following the coronation, contrasts with the relaxed family group photo selected by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The monochrome image chosen by the Waleses shows the family, all wearing plain shirts, arranged around a smiling Princess Charlotte who is seated on a chair.

The King and Queen’s card features a picture taken by photographer Hugo Burnand, who captured the couple standing side by side with Charles wearing the imperial state crown and Camilla wearing Queen Mary’s crown.

The King is also pictured wearing a coronation tunic and the robe of estate. Made of purple silk velvet and embroidered in gold, the robe was worn by King George VI in 1937.

The Queen is wearing her robe of estate made by Ede and Ravenscroft, which was designed and hand-embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework.

Charles and Camilla have chosen a coronation picture for their card (Buckingham Palace/Hugo Burnand/PA)

She also wears her coronation dress, which was designed by Bruce Oldfield.

The image – taken on the day of the coronation, 6 May 2023 – was selected for the couple’s second Christmas card since Charles became king.

The crowning of Charles and Camilla at a religious ceremony in Westminster Abbey earlier this year was followed by a weekend of celebrations.

The couple took to the palace balcony to see the crowds, joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, along with the coronation pages and ladies in attendance.

The family photo was captured by Yorkshire-born photographer Josh Shinner (Josh Shinner/Kensington Palace/PA Wire)

The event brought together around 100 heads of state, kings and queens from across the globe, celebrities, everyday heroes, and family and friends of the couple.

The portrait on Kate and William’s card was taken at Windsor earlier this year. The family photo was captured by Yorkshire-born photographer Josh Shinner, whose previous sitters include Florence Pugh, Jodie Comer and Sam Smith.

Christmas images used to decorate official festive cards are released by senior members of the royal family each year, with the cards sent to friends, family, and those they work alongside.