This week saw the release of King Charles's first Christmas card as monarch.
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The chosen image was especially poignant; it was taken on 3 September 2022, just five days before the death of his beloved mother, the Queen. And it seems there was another hidden message in the festive photo.
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The picture was taken at the Braemar Games – a favourite of the royal family since September 1848 when Queen Victoria first attended.
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King Charles' mother was also known to be a great fan of the Games and always appeared in incredibly high spirits whenever she attended.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Games was one of the Queen's favourite events
Notably, the Christmas card photo marked the first time that Charles had attended on behalf of his mother; 2022 was the first time she had been unable to attend in her 70-year reign.
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The photo was perhaps chosen to reflect that transition – and demonstrate Charles's desire to continue the traditions set out by his mother.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKing Charles and Camilla attended this year's event - days before the Queen's death
The King has already confirmed that he will host Christmas at Sandringham this year – just as the Queen did annually.
He and his wife, the Queen Consort, will travel to the royal family’s Norfolk property for the festive season. His family, including Prince William, Princess Kate and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, are expected to gather, alongside fellow guests, including Sarah Ferguson.
© Photo: Getty ImagesWilliam, Kate and their children are expected to spend Christmas with the King
The King will also continue the tradition of delivering a Christmas Day speech to the nation.
It will also be the country's first speech delivered by a King in some 70 years. And the first time in history that a King's Christmas speech will be televised; the previous King George VI's speeches were broadcast via radio.
Charles's speech will no doubt see him pay tribute to his 'beloved mama', who passed away on 8 September at the age of 96.
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