Christmas cards have long been a beloved tradition, and for the royal family, they serve as both a seasonal greeting and a rare glimpse into private family life. This year, however, Prince William and Princess Catherine’s 2025 Christmas card has stirred unexpected debate online.
For generations, the royals have shared festive portraits each December. The custom dates back to the early 1800s, when Queen Victoria’s children sent handmade cards — some of which still exist today in the Royal Collection. Later, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, popularized the release of official family photographs, a practice that continues as a way to connect with the public during the holidays.
When the Prince and Princess of Wales unveiled their latest card on Kensington Palace’s social media accounts, it was warmly received at first glance — but one detail quickly caught the internet’s attention.
The image shows William and Catherine seated on a grassy meadow in Norfolk, surrounded by flowers and their three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven. Charlotte rests her head on her father’s shoulder, Louis leans into his chest, and Catherine wraps an arm around George as she smiles at the camera. Beneath the photo is a simple greeting: “Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”
Despite the affectionate family moment, some fans were left puzzled. Social media users questioned why the image lacked traditional holiday elements, with several asking where the festive atmosphere was. Others pointed out that the photo looked more like spring than winter, while a few even speculated about digital editing.
The reason soon became clear: the photograph was taken in April by Josh Shinner, during the same shoot used to mark Prince George’s 12th birthday and Prince Louis’ seventh.
This isnoyal card choice comes after a demanding year for the Wales family. Prince William has described 2024 as one of the toughest periods of his life, while Princess Catherine has shared that she is now in remission following her cancer treatment. After largely stepping back from public duties, the family appears to be embracing a quieter, hopeful chapter.
The couple is expected to spend Christmas at Sandringham with King Charles and Queen Camilla, continuing the tradition — even if their card didn’t look very Christmassy.
