A Royal Holiday Tradition Meets Modern Twist
Every holiday season brings excitement as royal families share their festive greetings, and this year was no exception. On Wednesday, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle unveiled their much-anticipated official Christmas card.
Sent to followers of their Archewell Foundation, the couple opted for an innovative approach that sparked conversations among royal enthusiasts.
The Sussexxes’ choice was a collage capturing heartfelt moments from their year. These included memorable images from their humanitarian work, such as their various overseas trips, including one to Colombia in August.
One touching image featured Harry and Meghan with their children, captured delightfully from behind as the kids joyfully ran toward their parents.
The accompanying heartwarming message stated: “On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, we wish you a very happy holiday season, and a joyful new year.” This personal touch added to the card’s unique appeal.
A Contrast in Royal Greeting Styles
Comparisons were inevitable with the traditional offerings from Prince William and Kate Middleton, the future King and Queen. The Waleses’ customary portraits, captured with their three children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—are typically singular images, brimming with family warmth and simplicity. Each year, on December 25th, these pictures delight audiences eager to see the royal family’s latest snapshot.
The contrasting styles sparked debates online, with some drawn to the fresh, relatable nature of Harry and Meghan’s montage, while others favored the classic, time-honored approach of the Waleses. This divergence fuels interest in both the evolving dynamics of royal communication and the artistic choices made by both families.
Insights From Royal Experts
Grant Harrold, once a butler to King Charles III, shared his perspective on this year’s holiday greetings, pointing out that traditional royal cards usually consist of a single photograph. This simplicity has long defined royal holiday greetings, ensuring a direct connection with those who receive them.
“Harry and Meghan’s card is markedly different; it’s more of a montage,” Harrold observed. His comments sparked a discussion on whether this shift breaks with royal tradition. “It’s not very royal,” he added, reflecting the opinion of those who appreciate the consistency seen in official royal communications.
The Wider Royal Scene
With the Sussexes stepping back from their official duties in 2020, the relationship between them and the British royal family has remained a focal point for fans and media alike.
This year, as speculation swirled, Prince William and Kate chose to sidestep the uproar over holiday card formats, opting instead to share an unrelated but engaging image on Twitter and Instagram.
These posts showcase the diversity in how modern royals engage with the public, with digital platforms offering a more immediate and widespread connection. The decision to share on social media reflects an understanding of contemporary communication trends while maintaining their distinct public image.
Looking Ahead
As the holiday season unfolds, the excitement and discussion surrounding these royal cards continue, underscoring the evolving nature of royal communication and representation.
The choices made reflect broader themes of personal expression and traditional values, capturing the public’s imagination as families everywhere share in their own unique holiday celebrations.
In a world constantly influenced by digital innovation, it’s fascinating to watch how royal families balance respect for tradition with the needs of modern audiences.
As future seasons approach, both the traditional and the contemporary approaches to holiday greetings from the royals will undoubtedly offer delightful insights and moments of shared joy.
What are your thoughts on the different approaches to royal holiday cards? We’d love to hear your opinions and comments on this evolving tradition!
