Monaco Royal Family Becomes First in Europe to Release Official Christmas Photo: Formal Attire Replaced by Casual Wear
Monaco's royal family is the first to release its annual Christmas card, featuring Prince Albert, Princess Charlene and their twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella dressed in neutral home clothes posing in a living room scene with a Christmas tree, garland, candles and a fireplace. The photo was published on the official Instagram page of the Monaco royal family on 2 December with the caption ‘The Prince's Palace is pleased to share with you a photo of the Princier family's greeting card’.
The Monarchs of Monaco became the first royal family in Europe to release a holiday card this festive season. It is also the first time the family has replaced formal tuxedos and ball gowns with comfortable casual clothes. Princess Charlene, 46, is wearing a knitted jumper and jeans.
The picture was taken by the family's trusted photographer, Eric Maton. He also took last year's Christmas photo for the Grimaldi's. In contrast to this year's more relaxed, homey shot, last year's photo had a completely different vibe: Prince Albert, 66, and his 9-year-old son Prince Jacques wore a tuxedo, while Princess Gabriella, also 9, wore a burgundy velvet dress and Princess Charlene wore an off-the-shoulder dress.
Earlier this week, the family gathered outside the Prince's palace to switch on Monaco's famous Christmas lights.