Unbelievable number of Christmas cards King Charles has to send all over the world….Read More

The King is one of the world’s most instantly recognisable figures – so when it comes to the festive period, he has to send a shocking number of Christmas cards

As people who have travelled all over the world, King Charles and Queen Camilla have encountered hundreds of important world leaders and foreign diplomats who they regularly maintain contact with. So, when it comes to the festive season, Their Majesties have an unenviable list of people to send their Christmas greetings to.

Unbelievably, the couple’s annual card will be delivered to more than 750 people around to world – including to foreign diplomats, international leaders, Heads of State, friends, family and members of staff. Sending a personalised Christmas card is a historic royal tradition and has been carried out by members of The Firm for generations.

While not yet updated to take into account King Charles’ accession, the Royal Family website explains: “Each year, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh send around 750 Christmas Cards, which will usually feature a family photo.

The card is signed ‘Elizabeth R’ and ‘Philip’ and features their official cyphers. Family, friends, and Members of The Royal Household will likely be the recipients of The Royal Christmas Card, but British and Commonwealth Prime Ministers, Governor-General and High Commissions may also be sent one.”

An annual Christmas card from the monarch is not the only gift royal staff get as they also receive a special token to thank them for their service. This tradition that the monarch follows was originally started by King Charles’ great-grandfather, King George V, and carried on by his grandfather, King George VI.

The late Queen would buy her staff a special yuletide gift each year, just like her father and grandfather. The Queen bought her staff Christmas puddings and also gave them a greeting card from herself.

For their card in 2023, King Charles and Queen Camilla chose a poignant Coronation Day photograph taken in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace by one of their favourite photographers, Hugo Burnand.

The regal image featured on a card sent to friends, family and members of staff, as well as to foreign royalty and diplomats around the world. It showed the King wearing the Imperial State Crown and the Queen posing in Queen Mary’s Crown.

Hugo previously told OK! “What I like about that picture is that it’s a very formal picture — of course it is. But what I hope, whether noticeably or subliminally, you are reading is they’re so close to each other, so supportive of each other.

“And they’re so on the same page, not just in the formality, but with a sense of humour. They share the responsibility of duty, and they are absolutely with each other.”