Cuddling up with huge smiles on holiday in Scotland, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall couldn't look any happier. The image was taken by a friend in the summer as the couple relaxed in the countryside away from the cameras. It was never intended for publication, but the heir to the throne and his wife loved it so much they decided to use it on their Christmas card.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe image was taken by a friend on a private estate in Scotland
While it's a loving portrait that might be of any other rock solid couple there are details that give away their royal status. On the cover the card features the Prince of Wales' distinctive feathers emblem and the Duchess' cipher. Inside is written simply "Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year" and there is room for a personal message.
A Clarence House spokesman said: "As is customary at this time of the year, we have given a copy of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall's Christmas Card to PA today for them to release on our behalf."
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Charles and Camilla have been married for 10 years
A few weeks ago the couple came back from a highly successful tour of New Zealand and Australia, where Charles celebrated his 67th birthday with a huge party on Cottesloe beach in Perth. The future King was supremely relaxed on the trip, charming his around, hugging babies and even cheekily joking about the All Blacks Rugby World Cup triumph, quipping to an audience in Wellington: "What the hell am I going to say to the Aussies".
From there the Waleses went on to Malta and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference, accompanying the Queen, who proudly paid tribute to her son's role with the organisation.
It's Camilla's presence that has allowed Charles to come into his own, and this card is his quiet way of showing the world just how much he owes his darling wife.
