His tie is slightly askew and the grin borders on the cheesy. But Tony Blair and his family are the model of homespun values in their picture for this year's Christmas card from Downing Street. In a corner of their Downing Street flat, Blair is pictured sitting in an armchair clasping the hand of his daughter Kathryn, 10, who is sitting on his knee. Cherie stands crouched behind them flanked by their two sons, Euan, 14, and Nicky, 13, who are dressed in casual blue clothes.The flat is decorated with yellow and green ivy, red flowers and matching festive baubles. The picture, which was taken by Anthony Crickmay, provides a fascinating glimpse of the Blairs' private quarters over 11 Downing Street. The Prime Minister's tastes in books is distinctly middle brow. On a smart, glass bookshelf there are the collected works of P. G. Woodehouse, a John le Carre novel, and a biography of Adolf Hitler.
The Blairs have obviously taken note of the criticism they faced after last year's card made no mention ofChristmas. This time the message says: `With Best Wishes For Christmas And The New Year. From Tony, Cherie and Family.' Crickmay, who has photographed the Blairs before and is best known for his pictures of the Queen Mother and the royal family, was entranced by Cherie.
``Cherie is the kindest woman in the world and always makes us feel very welcome. Blair is very direct, upfront and listens to what you say which makes it a pleasure to take photographs of him.'' The wholesome image of the Blairs' card contrasts sharply with William Hague's card, which features a picture of a lonely shepherd trudging through the snow with only a few sheep for company.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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