Sending thank you cards to well-wishers has always been a cherished tradition of King Charles. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a momentous occasion like his wedding or coronation, the King never fails to express his gratitude. However, this year, royal enthusiasts noticed a remarkable difference in King Charles’ usual thank you notes for his 75th birthday in November. The change immediately caught the attention of one avid royal fan, who took to social media to share the unexpected update.
Conventionally, King Charles’ thank you cards showcase formal photographs of the royal. But for his 2023 birthday card, the King embraced a candid photo, deviating from the usual posed portraits. The chosen image captured King Charles in a moment of laughter, taken from a side angle, offering a refreshing departure from the traditional portrait style. Gert’s Royal Replies, who received the note, shared the surprising discovery on Twitter. According to Gert’s Royal Replies, the photograph featured in the card was taken by Chris Jackson during The Scotland National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on July 5, 2023. The contrast was evident as King Charles typically selects a coronation photo for his birthday cards.
A Change in Narrative
Aside from the unconventional choice of photo, Gert’s Royal Replies also noticed a significant shift in King Charles’ writing style. In past birthday replies, King Charles would refer to himself in the third person as “The Prince of Wales.” However, this year’s card stood out as it was the first one written in the first person, using “I.” The move showcased a more personal touch, breaking away from the formalities typically associated with royal communication.
The heartfelt message within the card read: “I am enormously grateful to you for thinking of me on my 75th Birthday and for sending me such a touching message. This brings you my warmest good wishes. Charles R.” This change in tone left readers wondering if King Charles aimed to foster a stronger connection with the public by adopting a more informal and relaxed approach to his correspondence, now that he holds the title of King.
Fans of the royal family thoroughly enjoyed the inclusion of the informal photograph, expressing their delight on social media platforms. Comments flooded in, with one user exclaiming, “Wonderful picture!” while another expressed their joy, stating, “Love that a photo reply was sent.” This personalized touch added a sense of relatability to King Charles’ personality, making him more approachable and endearing to the public.
A Tale of Two Christmas Cards
Although King Charles did not choose a coronation photo for his birthday thank you card, he and Queen Camilla did feature a snapshot from the special day on their Christmas card. Photographer Hugo Burnand captured the monarch and his wife in Buckingham Palace’s Throne Room, adorned in their full ceremonial regalia and robes. This Christmas card offered a nostalgic glimpse into a truly historical and momentous occasion.
Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales opted for a more casual festive greeting. In their Christmas photo, William, Kate, George, Charlotte, and Louis sported coordinated white shirts and jeans, showcasing a relaxed and relatable image of their young family.
King Charles’ recent deviation from tradition has piqued curiosity about what his future greetings will entail. The public eagerly awaits further correspondence, eager to see if King Charles will continue to infuse his personal touch, forging a deeper bond with his admirers. As the King embraces a more relaxed and informal approach, it is undeniable that his unique thank you cards will continue to captivate and delight recipients, reminding them of his genuine appreciation for their well wishes. The personal touch of King Charles’ thank you cards has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to receive them.
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