Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco smile by the tree with their twins for festive snap (after William and Kate’s black and white family portrait was mocked)

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco's Christmas card for 2023 has been unveiled and it's giving the British royal family a run for their money when it comes to festive cheer.

The image shows the royal, 65, and the former Olympic swimmer, 45, posing next to their young children, Crown Prince Jacques and his twin sister, Princess Gabriella, who both celebrated their ninth birthdays last week.

Although the palace has not yet released the official portrait, an early copy was shared by a royal fan account at Instagram. The official version is expected to have higher definition.

In contrast to the informal Christmas card from the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Royal Family of Monaco opted for a much more formal approach.

Princess Charlene looked spectacular in a sophisticated velvet dress with a draped burnt copper neckline.

Prince Albert stands behind his smiling family in formal attire in a glamorous photo released for this year's annual Christmas card

The mother of two lovingly embraced her son Jacques, who wasted no time leaning into his mother's chest.

Smiling in front of a Christmas tree, Albert matched his son and dressed to the nines in a tuxedo. During the photo shoot, he stood behind his family, keeping one hand firmly on his wife's back.

Nine-year-old Gabriella put on a sweet show in a deep red dress, which, like her mother's, was made of velour.

It comes after Princess Charlene stunned in a silver ensemble as she posed with Santa Claus at the Hotel de Paris Christmas ball in Monaco last Friday.

The former Olympian attended the festive event without her husband Prince Albert.

The South African-born royal opted for classic Hollywood glamor and was sure to turn heads in the figure-hugging glittering dress which she teamed with diamond earrings and a statement make-up look.

With a striking red lip and smokey eye, the princess styled her hair in a choppy bob.

It comes just a day after Charlene was joined by Princess Stephanie at the inauguration of Monaco's Christmas Village.

Princess Charlene of Monaco stunned in a silver ensemble as she posed with Santa Claus at the Hotel de Paris Christmas Ball in Monaco last Friday

The royal added some festive glam when she donned a red tartan ensemble to attend the Christmas lights display last week.

Former Olympian Charlene attended the event with her husband Prince Albert II, both of whom showed up at the event in good spirits. They were accompanied by Princess Stephanie of Monaco.

Mother-of-two Charlene was elegant and sophisticated, with her now signature blonde pixie, neatly cut into a side parting.

And she amped up her old-school glam look with a classic makeup look.

Her fresh complexion was the epitome of health. She wore classic cat eye makeup, liquid black eyeliner with a hint and voluminous lashes.

Princess Charlene of Monaco stunned in a silver ensemble as she posed with Santa Claus at the Hotel de Paris Christmas Ball in Monaco on Friday

Opting for classic Hollywood glamour, the South African-born royal was sure to rock the figure-hugging glittering dress, which she paired with diamond earrings and a statement makeup look.

But the centerpiece of her elegant makeup style was her lips, which were impeccably contoured and filled with a classic red color.

Meanwhile, her husband also looked dapper in a dark two-piece suit, which he wore with classic lace-up shoes and a dark jacket.

The couple were both smiling as they posed for photos together, and with Stephane Valeri, the president of Monte-Carlo Societe des Bains de Mer (SBM).

Parents Princess Charlene and Prince Albert did not appear to be accompanied by their eight-year-old children, twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.

The couple's festive outing follows a recent appearance they made in late November, when they attended a glitzy gala to mark Monaco's National Day.

Princess Charlene (pictured) was the epitome of old-world glamour, wearing a festive red checked coat and an elegant make-up look complete with red lip

Charlene, a mother of two, was once again the epitome of sophistication in a scarlet long-sleeved dress with sequins, accentuated by bright red lipstick.

She once again opted for an Old Hollywood-esque look and styled her blonde locks in gelled curls.

Once again, she opted for a dramatic makeup look with long lashes and dewy blush

Charlene appeared relaxed as she handed out gifts to attendees.

The annual charity benefit is part of a number of events organized by the Red Cross in the run-up to Christmas in Monaco, with members of the Royal Family giving gifts to those in need.

Charlene wrapped herself up against the cold in a navy blue wool waistcoat with leather lapels, which she wore over a black turtleneck and trousers.

During the event, members of the royal family spoke with some Red Cross volunteers who took part in the gift distribution.

They also heard the story of vulnerable people stocking up on presents in the run-up to Christmas.

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