Why The Queen's 2018 Christmas Address Video Specifically Featured These Photos

Furniture, Room, Religious institute, Interior design, Classic, Building, Antique,

(Image credit: WPA Pool)

published 28 December 2018

The Queen released her annual Christmas video (opens in new tab) to the world on December 25, but just in case you missed it because you were busy opening presents and all, you can watch it here (opens in new tab). While viewing the 9-minute address—once you get pass all the gold accents, chandelier, the beautifully patterned carpet, the Christmas tree, and the Queen herself—you'll notice there are six photos strategically placed around her.

The photos were specifically chosen to pay tribute to major events from the past year. "It’s been a busy year for my family, with two weddings and two babies—and another child expected soon. It helps to keep a grandmother well occupied," she said in the video.

You can clearly make out the royal portrait taken for Prince Charles' 70th birthday (opens in new tab) and the photo of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sitting on the steps (opens in new tab) of Windsor Castle on the day of their wedding. The Queen also chose to highlight Prince William and Kate Middleton's adorable family Christmas card (opens in new tab), where they all glowed in the sunlight and looked so happy. There were also #throwback photos to other special people in Queen E's life, including a black-and-white photo of her dad, King George VI.

See all six photos the Queen chose to show the world, below.

Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding portrait

Reminisce over the happy day, here (opens in new tab).

A portrait from Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's wedding day

Photograph, Child, People, Dress, Ceremony, Gown, Wedding dress, Event, Bride, Tradition,

The Queen reportedly has a very close relationship (opens in new tab) with her granddaughter, so it makes sense why she chose this cute photo.

Prince Charles' 70 birthday portrait with members of the royal family

People, Photograph, Social group, Family taking photos together, Event, Family, Sitting, Family pictures, Family reunion, Photography,

And, there's a good reason why Queen E is not in the photograph (opens in new tab).

Prince William and Kate Middletons family Christmas card

People, People in nature, Photograph, Family taking photos together, Social group, Leaf, Tree, Family, Photography, Smile,

Prince George, why are you so darn cute (opens in new tab)??

A tribute to her father, King George VI.

Standing, Uniform, Military person, Military officer, Military uniform, Non-commissioned officer, Admiral, Headgear, Military rank, Outerwear,

The king wore his naval uniform in this photo taken in 1917.

A photograph of Prince Charles taken at Buckingham Palace in April 1949 when he was just six months old.

People, Photograph, Monochrome, Standing, Black-and-white, Snapshot, Monochrome photography, Child, Photography, Smile,

Held by his parents then-Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, of course.

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Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at MarieClaire.com, where she covered celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducted original interviews with industry insiders. She's also had many opportunities to write content in other areas such as beauty, food, tech, and even home. Her previous fashion stints include POPSUGAR and Cosmopolitan.