King Charles and Queen Camilla's first Christmas card has touching tribute to Queen's childhood

King Charles III's first Christmas card with Queen Camilla includes a special tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's childhood. 

• King Charles's first Christmas card as monarch includes a special nod to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
• On Sunday, Buckingham Palace released a portrait of His Majesty and the Queen Consort with a festive message in celebration of the upcoming Christmas season. 
• In other royal news, William and Harry will be 'exchanging Christmas presents for their children but not for each other'.
  

King Charles III has paid a touching tribute to his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, in his first Christmas card since ascending the throne. 

His Majesty and Queen Camilla are seen smiling at the Braemar Royal Highland Gathering in Scotland in an image released by Buckingham Palace on Sunday. The photo, courtesy of royal photographer Sam Hussein, was taken on September 3, just five days before the Queen died aged 96 at Balmoral Castle. 

The King is pictured from his profile as he stares directly ahead, while Camilla looks fondly back at him. Always one to dress smartly, he is decked out in a tweed suit with a striped tie and a pale purple shirt. Photos released of the 74-year-old at the time also showed him wearing a tartan kilt, knee-high red socks, and black brogues. 

Camilla looks equally stylish on the Christmas card, wearing a chic green hat with feather detail, a green blazer with a red collar, and a frilly cream blouse. The 75-year-old has paired the autumnal outfit with pearl earrings, a brooch, and her signature blonde bouffant. The sweet image, which is lined with red trim and printed on official palace stationery, is accompanied by the traditional festive message, "Wishing you a very happy Christmas and New Year." 

Eagle-eyed royal fans were quick to note that Charles and Camilla's Christmas card also included a subtle nod to Queen Elizabeth II's childhood. The photo was snapped at the most recent Braemar Games, the most famous and most popular Highlands Games in Scotland. The annual event was also deeply important to the late monarch, who had been attending its festivities since she was just seven years old. 

Her Majesty was also a patron of the Braemar Highland Gathering and regularly spectated the competition with members of the Royal Family when she was residing at Balmoral Cottage. Events at the games traditionally include the tug-o-war, the caber toss, and putting the stone. There are also plenty of bagpipes and dancing, along with a plethora of vendors selling classic Scottish dishes like haggis and funnel cake. 

The Queen was unable to attend last year's Braemar Highland Gathering due to her declining health.