King Charles Releases New Christmas Card with Camilla — Insiders Worry It Could Be ‘His Last’
The last few years have brought considerable strain on the royal family, and none more so than King Charles. Since the Palace announced his cancer diagnosis in early 2024, the public has grown concerned about the monarch’s health. Despite undergoing treatment, the King has continued to take part in holiday festivities with the same sense of duty and vigor as in his previous years. Continuing with tradition, Charles and Queen Camilla recently shared their 2025 Christmas card, which pictured them smiling hand in hand.
The photograph taken at Villa Wolkonsky in Rome last April was shared on the official Instagram page of the royal family. Featuring the King and Queen’s 20th anniversary portrait, the couple wished all a “very Happy Christmas and New Year.” The holiday card comes at a time when those close to the family quietly acknowledge that this Christmas might be 'his last.' As reported by Page Six, a Palace source noted that Charles’s “health isn’t the best.” But the monarch isn't slowing down, and will continue with traditions that have anchored the royal family for decades.
Just like every year, he is expected to attend the Christmas morning service at St. Mary Magdalene Church and will also record his annual address. “Nothing would stop Charles from doing that,” the source said. “He will do everything expected of him and more.” In the wake of growing public concern surrounding his health, he has on several occasions offered measured reassurances. For instance, during a visit to the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in September, he said he was not doing 'too bad.'
Further insight into the King’s state of mind was shared by royal author Robert Jobson in his book The Windsor Legacy. Jobson penned that the wave of support that followed the monarch’s illness left him in tears. “He’s been reduced to tears — not by his plight, but by the thousands of warm letters he has received. Some were cards, clearly made by children and covered in glitter or accompanying a get-well gift of Smarties.”
Meanwhile, Princess Kate, who has not had smooth sailing either, remains in remission as of January this year. Gradually, both Charles and Kate have returned to public duties. On December 5, the Princess of Wales held her 5th ‘Together with Christmas’ concert at Westminster Abbey, with several of her family members making an appearance. Along with her husband, Prince William, and children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, family members like Duchess Sophie and Zara, and Mike Tindall also attended the event. Charles and Camilla were notably absent from the event. Interestingly, they have only attended the carol concert once, in 2022, when the service was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II shortly after her death.