The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
Princess Margaret and Elizabeth II, future queen of the ball (and of England).
(London, December 23, 1944.)
Getty Images
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The sovereign when she thought of getting rid of this dubious carpet.
(London, December 25, 1957.)
Getty Images
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
Queen Elizabeth II also wondered about the choice of this strange Christmas papillote.
(London, June 1967.)
Getty Images
Royalty's most lavish Christmases - photo 11
Prince Rainier of Monaco offered his guests his famous Christmas pizza.
(With Grace Kelly, December 22, 1969.)
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
The most sumptuous Christmases of royalty
See the slideshow
27 photos
Artificial snow, oversized fir trees, wooden chalets, sparkling chandeliers… Each year, members of royalty compete for grandiose Christmas decorations.
From Windsor to the royal family of Belgium, including the Grimaldi, all are keen to create a magical setting, perhaps in tune with the dreams of their subjects.
Witness the reindeer of the Duchess of Cornwall, the dancers of the Prince of Monaco, or the mountain of gifts from Grace Kelly.
In video, Kate and William exchange a knowing look during a Christmas concert
Shining attire
Who says Christmas also says dress for the occasion.
Between princess dresses and satin coats, the sovereigns of the whole world also equip themselves with shining finery as the end of the year celebrations approach.
Special mention to Zara Tindall's hat-wands, to the satin green skirts of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, or to the pink tights of Princess Éléonore of Belgium.
Back, in pictures, on the most sumptuous Christmases of royalty.
For the pleasure of the eyes, and why not, to feed his creativity for this year's festivities.
* This article, originally published on December 23, 2019, has been updated.
The editorial team advises you
The remembrance brooch, a symbolic photo: Elizabeth II will pay tribute to Prince Philip in his Christmas speech
Jeans with holes, red curls and bare feet: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle unveil their Christmas card, and present Lilibet for the first time
Cambridge, Sussex, Monaco… In photos, the surprising royal greeting cards for 2021