Monaco's royal family shares Christmas card that's remarkably different from years gone by

Monaco's royal family has shared its Christmas card for 2024.

The photo shows Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene with their two children, twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, seated in front of a Christmas tree.

The photo was released on December 1, the traditional start to the festive season.

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This year's card is much less formal than some of the past Christmas photos taken of the Principality's royal family.

In years gone by, the family has been dressed up wearing a suit and tie for Prince Albert and Prince Jacques, while Princess Charlene has worn a ball gown and Princess Gabriella a party frock.

The formal attire has been a feature of Monaco's royal Christmas cards over the years, with the photos often described as being the most glamorous of all of the festive photos shared by royal families across Europe.

This year's is a marked departure from tradition but it is no less beautiful. This time, the family is wearing co-ordinated shades of browns and creams.

Princess Charlene chose a pair of brown pants with a brown jumper, her son wearing a similar outfit, while Prince Albert and Princess Gabriella went with cream.

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The tree, too, is decorated in more earthy tones featuring pine cones and neutral-coloured baubles, much less fussy than the traditional lights and sparkles seen in years gone by.

Monaco's royal family issues a Christmas card in early December each year, usually featuring a photograph taken inside the Prince's Palace in Monte Carlo.

However, in 2021, the family shared a painted illustration instead as Princess Charlene was in South Africa recovering from a mystery illness that saw her absent from the principality for six months.

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Princess Charlene returned to Monaco on November 8 that year, only to be admitted to a private health clinic immediately after.

She resumed her public role in April of 2022 to much fanfare.

Since then, the 46-year-old has been back in the spotlight and on-duty with her husband and twins.

It's been a busy year for the Monegasque royals, with the family coming together en masse last month to celebrate National Day, on November 19.

On November 30, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, and their children, officially launched the Christmas season in Monaco by attending the lighting of the 18-metre tree at the iconic Place Du Casino.

They also helped to light the tree and decorations at the Prince's Palace and at the city's Carabiniers Barracks.

Next week, on December 10, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella will celebrate their 10th birthdays.

The young royals are likely to be having a party inside the Prince's Palace, as they have done in previous years.

When Jacques and Gabriella turned four, they had a superhero-themed party and the following year the palace was decorated with Smurfs.

The Prince's Palace in Monte Carlo is the official residence of Monaco's royal family. The building dates to 1191 when it was a fortress and is now one the principality's most iconic site, sitting high on the country's famous rock.

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