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Royal Christmas Cards Offer Rare Glimpse Into Buckingham Palace Life

The photographs up for auction showcase the changing face of the Windsor clan - by Danielle Fowler
  • 06 Dec 2019

The Windsor family famously throw themselves into the festive season from the world-famous Buckingham Palace tree to the Duchess of Cambridge's seasonal wardrobe.

So when it comes to delivering Christmas cards, Her Majesty makes sure to set a regal example - even going so far as to send personalised notes to members of staff.

WATCH BELOW: Queen's Tense Moment With Princess Anne In Front Of The Trumps

A couple who worked at the Queen's summer residence of Balmoral Castle are auctioning off an impressive quarter of a century's worth of cards given to them by the royal family.

The cards in question are currently available to view on the Rowley's Antiques and Fine Art Auctioneers website, enabling fans across the globe to garner a closer look at the tradition.

"The Royal family must have regarded the couple in high esteem as each is signed in ink - 'Elizabeth R' and 'Philip' - part from the earliest which is signed by King George," said Roddy Lloyd of Rowley’s Antiques and Fine Art Auctioneers.

queen prince philip christmas card

A royal Christmas card dated 1947

Each card is emblazoned with a photograph of the royal family and the earliest image up for auction is dated 1947. The card depicts King George VI and the Queen Mother sat alongside Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret by the piano.

Interestingly, the photographs showcase the family transitioning throughout the ages with the second card signed by the then-married Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

RELATED: Please Enjoy These Photographs Of Kate Middleton Christmas Tree Shopping

Dated 1955, the image shows the royal couple smiling at the camera alongside Prince Charles and Princess Anne.

royal christmas card 1955

A royal Christmas card dated 1955

The cards vary from black and white to colour but the first vibrant image shows the family of four enjoying a day in the great outdoors with Prince Charles knelt stroking the Queen's pet dogs by a tree.

Princess Anne stands beside her mother while Prince Philip looks towards the camera.

prince philip queen christmas card

A royal Christmas card dated 1957

Bidding for each card kickstarts at approximately $75 with prices expected to reach $300.

Every year, the royal family release portraits to mark the festive season.

Last Christmas, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared a photograph alongside their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - the royal tot's festive debut.

Kensington Palace on Twitter

Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex took to Twitter to share a never-before-seen photograph from their wedding day shot by Chris Allerton.

Kensington Palace on Twitter

See the entire range of Christmas cards up for auction on the official Rowley's website.

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