Each year, supporters of the Royal Family gather online to share their thoughts on the seasonal card, with particular interest in seeing the Prince and Princess of Wales’ three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Prince Louis.
A look back at last year’s unconventional card
Last year’s Christmas card marked a departure from tradition. It was released on the same day Kate announced she had completed chemotherapy, following her cancer diagnosis revealed in March 2024.
That card featured a brief message reading: “Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.”
However, the 2024 card raised eyebrows as it broke royal protocol by being presented as a GIF, complete with falling snow over a computer-generated image rather than a traditional photograph.
This year’s family photo revealed
The newly released image, shared on Kensington Palace’s social media channels, shows William and Kate seated on the grass among spring daffodils with their three children.
In the photo, Princess Charlotte rests her head on her father’s shoulder while holding his arm. Prince Louis appears relaxed as he leans back between William’s legs, and Kate wraps her arm around Prince George.
The message on the card reads simply: “Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”
When and where the photo was taken
The photograph was taken by Josh Shinner in Norfolk back in April, a detail that has sparked debate among royal watchers who questioned its seasonal relevance.
“Very lovely – but not very seasonal is it? The children change so much, so fast, it would be lovely to have a more recent picture IMHO,” wrote one X user. “But thank you for sharing it with us. Happy Christmas to you all.”
Another commented bluntly: “Where is the Christmas?”
A third added: “That photo is old and was taken in the spring.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Christmas card
Prince William and Kate shared their card just days after King Charles and Queen Camilla released theirs earlier this month, on December 7.
The monarchs opted for a portrait taken in April to mark their 20th wedding anniversary. The image shows Charles and Camilla standing side by side in the grounds of Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence in Rome, with the Queen linking arms with the King.
Their card is framed with a dark red border, and the printed message inside reads: “Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.”
