Family portraits are a staple of Christmas cards, and royal families are no exception.
But when the Prince and Princess of Wales unveiled their 2025 card, one unexpected detail quickly set social media abuzz.
Every year, King Charles and his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, share festive family photos that capture both the big moments of the year and more personal, behind-the-scenes glimpses of their lives.
While the tradition of sending holiday greetings dates back to the early 19th century — with handmade cards from Queen Victoria’s children preserved by the Royal Collection Trust — the practice of releasing official family photos began later with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Today, it continues as a way for the royals to connect with the public and share a little festive cheer.
When Prince William and Kate revealed their 2025 Christmas card, the heartwarming family portrait quickly captured attention — but one unexpected detail has social media buzzing. Can you spot it?
The card, unveiled on Kensington Palace’s social media accounts, shows Prince William and Princess Catherine sitting on a grassy field in Norfolk, surrounded by flowers and their three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven.
In the serene springtime setting, Charlotte rests her head on William’s shoulder while holding his arm, and Louis leans comfortably against his father’s chest. Princess Catherine wraps an arm around her eldest, smiling warmly at the camera. The simple message reads:
“Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”
Is it really Christmas?
While many praised the close-knit family vibes, not everyone was convinced the card fits the festive season.
One social media user asked bluntly: ”Where is the Christmas?”
Another added: “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.”
“Has there been more photoshopping?” questioned one fan, adding: “Where are Kathy’s legs? Bill only has one leg.”
A third wrote: “Why is there nothing Christmasy on the card?”
And a fourth pointed out: ”Photo taken in April.”
”Nice, but I really wish that one year they had a more Christmas / winter style photo….,” a fifth wrote.
The criticism stems from the fact that the portrait was taken back in April by photographer Josh Shinner, the same shoot used to mark George’s 12th and Louis’ seventh birthdays.
This isn’t the first time the royal family has raised eyebrows with their holiday card choices. The 2024 card, which included a computer-generated snowy GIF, also drew attention, especially since it coincided with Princess Catherine sharing a pre-recorded video announcing she had completed chemotherapy following her March 2024 cancer diagnosis.
A year of fresh beginnings
The Waleses’ 2025 Christmas card comes after a particularly challenging period for the family. William described 2024 as “brutal,” according to Sky News, while Catherine revealed earlier this year that she had fully recovered from cancer. Since her diagnosis, the family has largely stayed out of the public eye.
In an interview with The Times, Prince William called the experience “the hardest year of my life.” Catherine has been in remission since January, marking a hopeful new chapter for the family.
The couple has also moved into Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom home in Windsor Great Park, symbolizing a new chapter. Catherine recently hosted her fifth Together at Christmas carol service, celebrating community heroes who make a difference.
Christmas plans with the King and Queen
Prince William and Princess Catherine are expected to spend Christmas Day with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Sandringham, according to the BBC.
The King and Queen released their own Christmas card on December 7. That portrait, also taken in April, marked their 20th wedding anniversary at Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence in Rome. Their card features a dark red frame and a traditional message:
“Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.”
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