The King and Queen are making it a right royal formal festive season with a Christmas card that captures them in coronation robes and crowns.

The colourful photo makes a marked contrast with Prince William’s yuletide greeting, which presents a relaxed and smiling heir to the throne with wife Catherine and their three children in monochrome black and white.

Charles was crowned king in May, eight months after he ascended the throne, in a majestic ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey that traces its history back more than 1000 years.

He is is pictured wearing the Imperial State Crown, Robe of Estate and Coronation Tunic, while the Queen wears Queen Mary’s Crown, Robe of Estate and a dress designed by Bruce Oldfield.

The image – taken on the day of the coronation, May 6, 2023 – has been selected for the couple’s second Christmas card since Charles became King.

The Prince of Wales and his family opted for a casual look. Photo: AAP

The monochrome image chosen by the Prince and Princess of Wales shows the family, all wearing plain shirts, arranged around a smiling Princess Charlotte, who is seated on a chair.

William and Kate were photographed with children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at Windsor earlier this year.

Christmas images used to decorate official festive cards are regularly released by senior members of the royal family with the cards sent to friends, family and colleagues.

-AAP