Royal fans are complaining King Charles’s Christmas card for 2025 “doesn’t feel very Christmassy” with others questioning why the royal household would use an image clearly taken in the spring. King Charles and Camilla shared a card with the public with an image taken from when they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in Rome in April.
Although it is a delightful image, with the King and Queen posing arm in arm in the gardens of Villa Wolkonsky in the Italian capital, fans are questioning why Charles and Camilla are surrounded by blooming flowers and lush green trees on a Christmas card.
One social media user said: “Beautiful pic but it doesn’t feel Christmas. Might I suggest a lovely pic from Windsor or Sandringham when the Christmas lights are lit. Or even taken out front of the St George’s Chapel.”
Another added: “Oh how delightfully festive. A springtime photo from April in Rome with some fairy lights slapped on it. Truly captures the Christmas spirit.”
One critic on X simply stated: “Doesn’t look like Christmas to me!”
One complained: “Least christmas feel ever! Come on, your marketing team can do better than this surely!”
An Instagram user said: “Admittedly, it would have looked more festive with a Christmas seasonal decoration around the photo or just on a corner.”
Respected royal photographer Chris Jackson captured the image, which was taken in April during their state visit to Italy. The King – standing on the left – is wearing a dark blue suit and grey tie, while the Queen is wearing a white and beige coat dress.
The image itself was released to commemorate their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9, which fell during the busy trip.
The card featured the usual festive greeting and said: “Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.”
Senior royals regularly release official images for Christmas cards that are sent to friends, family and colleagues.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to release their own festive card in the coming weeks.