The festive card includes a jolly snap of Prince Edward, 56, and Sophie, 55, sitting on a straw bale with beaming smiles on their faces. The photo was taken during a visit to Vauxhall City Farm, Lambeth in October – a trip which left Sophie amused as she came face-to-face with alpacas.
The card has been shared on Twitter. It is signed by the couple and their teenage children, Lady Louise Windsor, 17, and James, Viscount Severn, 13.
During the farm visit, Sophie was introduced to Jerry the alpaca and talked to the animal while he waited to be fed.
The Countess, who wore an elegant cream coat, plum jumper and olive green trousers, said to the animal: “You’ve got a funny face.
“I suppose you must think I have a funny face too.”
Prince Edward, the Queen’s youngest son, and his family are believed to be celebrating Christmas at their home in Surrey, Bagshot Park.
The couple, working royals since 2002, have a low-key approach to duty which has made them a hit with fans.
Edward is the only one of the Queen and Prince Philip’s children not to have divorced.
The royal family, like the rest of us, is adjusting to a Christmas affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
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This marks a break in tradition – the first time since 1987 – as they usually travel to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Many believe Queen Elizabeth II is setting a strong example for the rest of the country.
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice also face spending Christmas apart and away from their parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.
A Government explanation of Tier 4 restrictions is as follows: “If you live in a Tier 4 area, you must follow the rules below from Sunday, December 20.
“This means that you cannot meet other people indoors, including over the Christmas period, unless you live with them, or they are part of your existing support bubble.
“Outdoors, you can only meet one person from another household.
“These rules will not be relaxed for Christmas.”
