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Perhaps a memo was shared among the continent's regal families, since a host of this year's Yuletide messages showcase remarkably alike pictures of families holding on to one another gently.

Touching, linking arms, holding hands, hugging—these poses uniformly communicate signals about the bond the royals are to each other.

One could say a royal superglue has been applied, binding them in their Christmas portraits. This is the age of the relatable royal family.

Prince William and Catherine Set the Tone

The Prince and Princess of Wales stand as pioneering the trend, with a holiday greeting showing a casual, unposed family group drawing close to each other in the countryside of Norfolk.

Similar to last year's card, they are continuing a approach that is a world apart from a rigid, formal portrait, instead presenting a parental unit at play together on a springtime afternoon, exuding warmth, clad in denim and sweaters.

The Prince of Wales has talked about shifting the approach in his handling of the institution.

And this projects an notion that they're like any other household, with eye-lines not looking down on the viewer, literally down to earth, seated upon the grass.

A Contrast: The Formality of Past Years

Set that against to this 1969 Christmas card, which features the royal family laughing, grinning and assembled near a boat. Presumably this was designed to appear informal and up-to-date.

But they're quite formally attired, they're all standing apart and it looks like they've just been presented a prize on a game show.

The King and Queen Camilla: A Show of Unity

In 2025 and Charles and Camilla are side by side in their seasonal portrait—a show of togetherness in what's been a eventful year.

The photograph is a combination of the warm and the ceremonial, taken on the opening day of the official trip to Italy, when the pair were marking their 20th wedding anniversary.

The Queen is adorned with a lily of the valley brooch, a symbol of enduring love.

That visit was in April, which is the reason for the springtime setting for this Yuletide image. The location is an ambassador's residence in Rome, the stately home of the UK's envoy to Italy.

The Duke and Meghan: A Holiday Snapshot

The Duke of Sussex and Meghan are clasping hands in their Christmas card—or in fact, a "Happy Holiday Season" card.

In contrast to some they've captured the season right, with some Yuletide flurries shown in a picture from the adaptive sports event in Canada in February.

They look like a stylish couple, beaming optimistically from behind their shades. It conveys a sense of movement.

Yet the framing of the greeting is not particularly personal: "On behalf of the team of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex."

Continental Royals: A Range of Styles

Looking at the Belgian monarchy to Spain and Monaco, various monarchial houses have opted for varied tones for their seasonal greetings.

• Belgium's family shared a more formal assembled image, dressed in elegant outfits among a bit of plants.
• The Spanish royal family combined aesthetics, conveying a informal, friendly household scene in a countryside setting that supports small communities.
• The Monegasque portrait is considerably more formal, featuring a fireplace, portraits, regal attire, and a small canine with Charlene.
• The Luxembourg family went with a smart casual look, featuring childlike energy, a festive fir, and holiday colors for a truly Christmassy atmosphere.

The Clear Champion

However there was no contest for the most memorable greeting. Juan Carlos, who abdicated in 2014, sent an irresistible monarchial seasonal message.

A quintet of puppies stand in front of an festive tree, looking majestic in a sort of formal dynastic image. But, it's more bark than formality.

What does it mean? Illumination sparkles on the dogs' collars. They look up with adorably wrinkled faces. The holidays are here and that's a time for reflection.

The latest crop of monarchial seasonal messages collectively paints a image of today's royalty: leaning into warmth, accessibility, and domestic bonds above aloof tradition.