See the British Royal Family's Best Christmas Cards, From 1942 to 2017

The royal family sends out their seasons greetings just like the rest of us — and always include an amazing photo, too
By Diana Pearl
December 18, 2017 10:30 AM

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2017

Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images/PA Wire

Prince William and Princess Kate color coordinated with Prince George and Princess Charlotte for their 2017 card, snapped at home in Kensington Palace

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2017

Credit: Victoria Jones/PA Wire

A photo from a big 2017 moment — Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall's 70th birthday party — featured in her and Prince Charles's card.

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2016

Credit: Chris Jackson

For their 2016 card, Charles and Camilla, selected a photo from their official visit to Croatia.

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2015

Credit: Chris Jelf/Kensington Palace/Getty

The year William and Kate welcomed Charlotte into their family, they posed for a sweet photo on the grounds of Kensington Palace.

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2013

Credit: Alpha /Landov

A sweet candid moment between Charles and Camilla for their 2013 card.

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2001

Credit: BNPS

Philip and the Queen look right at home in their 2001 card, hanging with their corgis.

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1998

Credit: BNPS

The whole family, grandchildren and all, pose for a photograph in the year after Princess Diana's death.

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1996

Credit: BNPS

The Queen and Philip are relaxed, sitting near the sea in the Western Isles, off the coast of Scotland.

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1988

Credit: BNPS

Three generations of royal women: The Queen Mother, the Queen, and a young Princess Beatrice.

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1987

Credit: BNPS

With their grandchildren Prince William, Prince Harry, Peter Phillips and Zara Phillips (now Tindall) — in matching kilts!

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1987

Credit: Frederic J. Brown/Getty

William and Harry, of course, also featured in their parents's holiday card, a snap from their family trip to Mallorca.

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1985

Credit: BNPS

The Queen Mother makes an appearance in 1985's card with her daughter and son-in-law.

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1983

Credit: BNPS

In the 1983 card, Princess Anne rocks a sweater with a crown on it (like the royal she is!)

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1981

Credit: BNPS

An official portrait from Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding serves as the 1981 card.

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1978

Credit: BNPS

A candid moment at home with the Queen, Philip and their dogs.

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1976

Credit: BNPS

A full family photo with "best wishes" for the year

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1972

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Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and their four children rock tartan and kilts in the photo used for their card in '72, snapped at Balmoral, the Queen's Scottish home.

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1971

Credit: BNPS

Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and their four children pose at home together in 1971.

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1962

Credit: BNPS

Little Prince Andrew is mesmerized by his reflection (as his family looks on!).

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1960

Credit: BNPS

On the grounds of Balmoral Castle, the year they welcomed Prince Andrew to the family.

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1942

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A solo card from the then-Princess Elizabeth, sent to the Grenadier Guards regiment of the British Army during World War II.

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By Diana Pearl