Chris Allerton
Last week the Cambridge family’s gorgeous annual Christmas card was leaked before its official release by a lucky recipient of a physical version, sent to him by Duchess Catherine.
Well today there’s another very special Christmas card to be revealed: the much anticipated Sussex Christmas card – and it’s glorious, and as a bonus: environmentally friendly!
While last year marked a very special first – Duchess Meghan’s first Christmas card appearance as a member of the royal family – this year is just as special.
When Harry and Meghan released their beautiful black and white Christmas card last year, a behind-the-scenes photograph from their wedding reception in May, it came just two months after they’d announced the exciting news that they were expecting their first child together.
Well now, 12 months later we’ve been treated to their first child, Archie Harrison’s, royal Christmas card debut and he’s as cute as ever!
We can’t believe how much Archie’s already grown – what a cutie! (Image: Janina Gavankar via SussexRoyal)
The black and white image, taken by Meghan’s friend Janina Gavankar, and shared by royal correspondent Omid Scobie on Twitter, shows adorable seven-month-old Archie centre stage, getting right up to the camera and we can’t believe how much he’s grown since his last appearance in South Africa!
Behind him his adoring parents look on, sitting in front of a Christmas tree. This year’s Christmas card broke with tradition, being sent electronically to their friends, family, charities and patronages, in a move to be more environmentally friendly.
Super-imposed over the Christmas card, reads: “Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. From our family to yours.”
And, in fine print at the bottom is included: “This year we have chosen to send our holiday card electronically.”
As confirmed by a spokesperson from the Palace, the Sussexes have chosen to spend Archie’s first Christmas in Canada, a place that Prince Harry has visited often and Meghan’s home for seven years during her days in the TV series Suits.
While no additional information has been shared, the royals are said to be enjoying their private family time together during the festive season.
Of course, the Sussexes are not the only royals to share Christmas cards this year.
Last year the Cambridge clan treated us to a laid-back family portrait taken in the grounds of their country home Anmer Hall in Norfolk and while everyone was delighted to see little Louis make his debut, there were a few other details in the portrait which has people talking – particularly the casual attire the fivesome wore for the photograph and the fact Prince George was wearing trousers instead of his signature shorts.
This year the fivesome carried a similar theme with their annual card, going for laid-back photograph outside, with all of them posing on a vintage motorcyle. While it’s always a treat seeing the the family-of-five all together at one time, many fans were particularly taken at how much the three Cambridge children had grown.
Earlier this month Duchess Catherine revealed little Louis seems to be quite the chatter-box, sharing the cute anecdote to cookery icon Mary Berry that one of his first words was, in fact, her name: Mary!
Of course, Princess Charlotte had milestones of her own, starting her first day of school back in September and Prince George? Well, he’s just looking more grown-up by the day.
Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla also shared their Christmas card at the weekend. The photograph chosen shows the royal couple during their official visit to Cuba earlier this year, with the two of them riding in a vintage Mercedes Benz – with Charles at the wheel.
“Here is this year’s official Christmas card from The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. 🎄,” Clarence House wrote on Instagram.
“The photo was taken in Havana by Ramon Espinosa during the Royal visit to Cuba earlier this year.”
Just days away from Christmas, The Queen and members of the royal family have begun gathering at Sandringham ahead of the festivities. And while Harry and Meghan may not be in attendance, the news that the two eldest Cambridge children, Prince George, 6, and Princess Charlotte, 4, are due to make their public Christmas Day debut has got us thoroughly excited.
It’s been reported the young royals will join the rest of the royal family on the iconic walk to St Mary Magadelene Church for the day’s service if all things go to plan – we can’t wait!
