The countdown to Christmas is officially on, and the world’s royal families are already jingling their way into the festive spirit one impeccably curated holiday card at a time.
Each year, royal watchers wait for the moment when Christmas cards begin trickling out from palaces, castles and occasionally centuries-old filing systems. Some are released to the public. Others are sent only to the select few who make the Nice List and the royal address book.
This week, one such lucky recipient was the Governor of Queensland, who proudly shared the 2025 Christmas card she received from the Princess Royal and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence.
The card features a photo of the couple riding in a horse-drawn carriage in Sark, in the UK’s English Channel, earlier this year – a setting that is, frankly, more Christmassy than most of us manage even in December. Opposite the image, the simple greeting reads: “With best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year,” signed modestly and warmly, “From Anne and Tim”.
Dr Jeannette Young posted an image of the card to the Governor of Queensland Facebook page, writing: “The arrival of a special Christmas card from The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence has set a festive tone at Government House.”
The post also noted Her Excellency’s honour in recently hosting Princess Anne during her visit for the Royal Australian Corps of Signals Centenary celebrations, where the Princess Royal presided over a special Investiture Ceremony to present the Royal Victorian Medal (Silver) to Senior Patrol Officer Stephen Canning RVM. A busy schedule – yet still time to send Christmas cheer.
The British press were quick to applaud the card’s lack of fuss and titles, praising its no-nonsense, down-to-earth tone. Some royal watchers even suggested it offered a stark (and slightly sparkly) contrast to other royals – with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, reportedly having a staff member announce her arrival during a recent Harper’s Bazaar interview.
But for now, it’s Princess Anne’s humble, horse-drawn holiday vibes that are stealing the seasonal spotlight. And honestly, it’s hard not to feel just a little bit festive.
Image: Facebook
