Christmas cards signed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip will go under the hammer in Ely this Saturday (December 7).

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley?s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. This Christmas card is from 1947: King George and Queen Mother with our present queen and Princess Margaret playing the piano. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley?s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. This Christmas card is from 1947: King George and Queen Mother with our present queen and Princess Margaret playing the piano. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

The cards are signed and show the changing face of the monarchy from the black-and-white post war world to the colourful 1970s.

They were sent to a married couple who worked at Balmoral, the wife in the house and the husband on the estate.

The photos are being sold at Rowley's auction house, 8 Downham Road, with estimates of between £100 and £150.

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

The first from 1947 is signed by King George and the Queen Mother and includes a photo of them at a piano with our current queen, and Princess Margaret playing.

From 1951 the cards are signed from our present queen and Prince Philip and include a number of family photos, but also religious scenes and landscape images.

Several show the royal couple with their children Charles and Anne in a variety of settings.

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

The 1957 card shows a colour photograph of them with some dogs - possibly Dorgis - a cross between a corgi and a Daschund.

The 1964 card shows all four of the queen's children with Edward a baby in her arms and a plump Prince Andrew grinning at the camera.

In 1968 the couple sent a card with a relaxed family photo in colour taken in the spring next to a royal pond, probably at Balmoral.

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

The following year they included a speedboat in the family photo, with all six of them roaring with laughter.

In 1970 they sent a photo of the royal yacht in Sydney Harbour and in 1971 and 1972 they included family photos with all the members in high spirits.

The photos are being sold at Rowley's auction house in Ely, with estimates of between £100 and £150.

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

Roddy Lloyd, of Rowley's, said: "There is almost a full run of photos from 1947 to 1972 when, presumably, the couple retired.

"The royal family must have regarded the couple in high esteem and each is signed in ink - 'Elizabeth R' and 'Philip' - part from the earliest which is signed by King George.

"This is a wonderful piece of history, showing the growth of the royal family.

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

"It also shows them smiling and enjoying themselves just like any other family.

"They will appeal to collectors of royal memorabilia."

The auction starts at 10am.

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Christmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELYChristmas cards sent by the Queen and Prince Philip to a pair of loyal married staff over 25 years are being sold at Rowley’s auction house in Ely, Cambs, with estimates of between £100 and £150. Picture: ROWLEY'S ELY (Image: Archant)