30 Sweet Photos of the Royal Family Meeting Santa Claus

Helitra.com

14 hours ago

Around the world, millions of families make an annual meeting with Santa Claus part of their annual Christmas traditions, and while the British royal family might not celebrate the holiday like the average household, when it comes to old St. Nick, they’re just like the rest of us. Over the years, the royals have made a Christmastime tradition of greeting that jolly old man, leading to plenty of sweet holiday photos. Here, we’ve rounded up the best of the royals with Santa, from Princess Diana’s run-in with Father Christmas to Prince William and Prince Harry’s childhood ride in Santa’s sleigh.

1970

Prince Philip drops in on Santa at a department store in Birmingham.

1987

During a visit to a children’s hospital near Christmas, Princess Diana ran into a couple festive Santas (and their furry friends).

Another sweet snap of Diana and a Santa.

1988

Princess Michael of Kent and her children, Lady Gabriella and Lord Frederick Windsor, meet Santa at The Dominion Theatre.

1990

Prince Harry and Prince William sit in a horse-drawn carriage with Santa.

1992

Princess Diana attends a lunch with author and politician, Lord Jeffrey Archer and former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Denis Healey—both dressed as Santa Claus.

1995

Sarah Ferguson, then the Duchess of York, attends a Christmas party for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, including some festively-dressed guests.

1998

Queen Elizabeth and The Queen Mother pose with Santa after Ascot.

1998

The Queen Mother meets Santa Claus after the Tote Silver Cup at Ascot.

Michael Stephens – PA Images – Getty Images

1999

Sarah, Duchess of York watches daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie as they talk to Santa at the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children party.

John Stillwell – PA Images – Getty Images

2000

Queen Elizabeth helps Santa hand out gifts at Ascot.

2001

Princess Anne takes a biscuit from Santa’s basket during the Save The Children Festival of Trees at the Natural History Museum.

2004

A very happy Queen Elizabeth accepts flowers from a fan dressed as Santa Claus.

2006

Santa Claus helps the Duchess of Cornwall switch on the Tetbury Christmas Lights.

2006

King Charles (then Prince Charles) greets Santa and his helper at the ‘Not Forgotten Association’ reception at St James’s Palace.

Pool/Tim Graham Picture Library – Getty Images

2006

Camilla chats with Santa while in a horse drawn sleigh, backstage at the London International Horse Show.

2010

Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall, switches on the Christmas lights in Bath, England, with Santa by her side.

2012

While deployed in Afghanistan, Prince Harry dressed up as Santa himself.

2015

Kate Middleton hugs a young boy in a Santa hat during the Anna Freud Centre Family School Christmas Party.

2017

Sarah Ferguson with Santa Claus at the Lady Garden Gala at Claridge’s Hotel.

2017

Prince William presents Santa with Prince George’s Christmas list.

Dominic Lipinski – PA Images – Getty Images

2017

Charles gives Father Christmas a firm handshake during his 2017 visit to Cardiff, Wales.

2021

Sophie, then the Countess of Wessex, wears a Santa hat during an engagement in Camberley, England.

2022

For her first holiday season as Queen, Camilla got some help decorating the Clarence House Christmas tree from Santa and a group of children helped by charities she supports.