42 sweet photos of the royal family celebrating Christmas
Including Her Majesty's inaugural Christmas address in 1952...
Christmas is going to look a bit different this year. With the country still battling the Covid-19 pandemic, the royal family will not be celebrating in the traditional way (with the Queen and Prince Philip choosing to have a quiet Christmas together at Windsor Castle). However, the House of Windsor sure knows how to celebrate Christmas and they'll certainly come up with something festive.
As the season approaches, take a look back at both the royals' annual engagements (the Queen's televised address and the whole family's attendance at Christmas Day services in Sandringham) and their classic Christmas traditions and activities.
Here, we've rounded up the best photos of the Queen, Princess Diana, the Duchess of Cambridge and more royal family members getting into the holiday spirit.
1943
Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret put on a royal production of 'Aladdin' at Windsor Castle for Christmas.
1944
The following year, Elizabeth and Margaret starred in a Christmas production of 'Old Mother Red Riding Boots' at Windsor Castle.
1944
Elizabeth and Margaret pose with the full cast of 'Old Mother Red Riding Boots.'
1952
Queen Elizabeth made her first Christmas radio broadcast to the UK from Sandringham House in 1952.
1953
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Government House in Auckland, New Zealand on Christmas Day. A man dressed as Santa gives presents to the Governor General's daughters.
1957
As the technology changed, so did the Queen's Christmas addresses, and in 1957, her message was televised for the first time. The desk is decorated with portraits of Prince Charles and Princess Anne.
1969
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth inspect their Christmas tree during the filming of a TV special.
1971
A still from the Queen's Christmas Broadcast, showing her with her sons Prince Andrew (left) and Prince Edward (centre).
1978
The Queen with her daughter, Princess Anne, and grandson Peter Phillips, during the 1978 Christmas broadcast.
1982
Princess Diana and Prince Charles with a young Prince William at Kensington Palace around Christmastime.
1987
Princess Diana and Lady Rose Windsor walk hand-in-hand as leave the Christmas Day service at St George's Chapel with the rest of the royal family.
1987
Princess Diana meets some Christmassy fans during a visit to a children's hospital.
1988
Prince Harry dressed as a Shepherd for his school's Christmas play.
1988
Prince William tries on a fireman's helmet at the Sandringham Museum Of Royal Vehicles And Cars during the Christmas holidays.
1990
Prince Harry and Prince William sit in a horse-drawn carriage with Santa.
1991
Backstage at London's Royal Opera House, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret enjoyed the Christmas decorations.
1992
Princess Diana attends a lunch with author and politician, Lord Jeffrey Archer and former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Denis Healey, both dressed as Santa Claus.
1993
Princess Diana turns on the Christmas lights in Bond Street, Central London.
1995
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie attend a Christmas performance of Cinderella.
1997
Prince William attends the Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church.
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