Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip Signed Royal Family Christmas Card Collection.

1953-1960. Rare collection of five Royal Christmas cards signed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The cards include the Royal Coronation Christmas and New Year's card of 1953, the 1955 Christmas and New Year's Card with a photograph of the Royal family at Balmoral, the 1956 Christmas and New Year's Card with a photograph of the Royal family aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, the 1957 Christmas and New Year's Card featuring the first color photograph of the Royal family, the 1959 Christmas and New Year's Card with a photograph of the Royal family in front of the Buckingham Palace Garden, and the 1960 Christmas and New Year's Card featuring the first appearance of Prince Andrew. In near fine to fine condition. An exceptional collection. The longest-lived and longest-reigning British monarch, the longest-serving female head of state in world history, Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne at the age of 25, upon the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952, and was proclaimed queen by her various privy and executive councils shortly afterwards. The coronation took place more than a year later on June 2, 1953 because of the tradition that holding such a festival is inappropriate during the period of mourning that follows the death of a monarch.