Christmas cards have long been a tradition for families, and the royal household is no different. Each year, members of the Royal Family share festive greetings, often accompanied by carefully chosen photographs that offer a glimpse into their personal lives.
The custom dates back to the 19th century, when Queen Victoria’s children sent handmade holiday cards. Over time, the tradition evolved, with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, among the first to release official family portraits. Today, these cards remain a way for the royals to connect with the public during the holiday season.
When the Prince and Princess of Wales released their 2025 Christmas card, the image quickly attracted attention—though not for the reason many expected.
Shared on Kensington Palace’s social media accounts, the photo shows Prince William and Princess Catherine seated on a grassy field in Norfolk with their three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. The family appears relaxed in a spring-like setting, surrounded by flowers. Charlotte leans affectionately on her father, Louis rests against William’s chest, and Catherine smiles while holding George close. The card carries a simple message: “Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”
While many praised the warmth and closeness captured in the portrait, others questioned its lack of seasonal flair. Several social media users pointed out the absence of winter or holiday elements, asking why the card looked more like a springtime family photo than a Christmas greeting. Some also noted that the image was taken months earlier and raised questions about editing.
The criticism stems from the fact that the photograph was taken in April by photographer Josh Shinner—the same shoot used for birthday portraits of Prince George and Prince Louis earlier this year.
This isn’t the first time a royal Christmas card has sparked debate. The Waleses’ 2024 card also drew attention, as it featured a computer-generated snowy image released around the same time Princess Catherine announced she had completed chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis.
The 2025 card arrives after a challenging period for the family. Prince William previously described the past year as “brutal,” while Catherine confirmed earlier this year that she is now in remission. Since her diagnosis, the family has kept a relatively low public profile.
The couple recently moved into Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, marking a fresh chapter, and Catherine hosted her fifth Together at Christmas carol service, honoring community heroes.
Prince William and Princess Catherine are expected to spend Christmas Day with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Sandringham. The King and Queen released their own Christmas card earlier this month, featuring a photo taken in April to commemorate their 20th wedding anniversary, accompanied by the message: “Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.”