Family portraits are a holiday tradition on Christmas cards, and royal households are no different.
However, when the Prince and Princess of Wales released their 2025 card, one surprising detail immediately caught the internet’s attention and sparked widespread discussion.
Each year, King Charles and his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, share festive family photographs that reflect both major moments from the year and more intimate, behind-the-scenes snapshots of their lives.
The custom of exchanging Christmas greetings dates back to the early 1800s, with handmade cards created by Queen Victoria’s children still preserved by the Royal Collection Trust. The tradition of publishing official family photographs came later, beginning with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Today, these images remain a way for the royal family to connect with the public and spread seasonal goodwill.
So when Prince William and Kate unveiled their 2025 Christmas card, the warm family image quickly drew admiration — yet it was one unexpected detail that truly set social media buzzing. Did you notice it?
Unveiled on Kensington Palace’s social media accounts, the card 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?
Many people praised the close-knit family vibes, but 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 a royal holiday card has sparked conversation. The family’s 2024 card, which featured a computer-generated snowy GIF, also attracted attention—particularly because it appeared around the same time Princess Catherine released a pre-recorded video announcing she had finished chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis in March 2024.
A year of new beginnings
The Prince and Princess of Wales’ 2025 Christmas card follows what has been an especially difficult chapter for the family. Prince William described 2024 as “brutal,” according to Sky News, while Catherine shared earlier this year that she had fully recovered from cancer. Since her diagnosis, the family has largely withdrawn from public life.
Speaking to The Times, William referred to the period as “the hardest year of my life.” Catherine has been in remission since January, signaling a more hopeful phase ahead for the family.
The couple has also relocated to Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom residence in Windsor Great Park, marking another fresh start. Recently, Catherine hosted her fifth Together at Christmas carol service, honoring community heroes who make a positive impact.
Christmas plans with the King and Queen
According to the BBC, Prince William and Princess Catherine are expected to spend Christmas Day with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Sandringham.
The King and Queen shared their own Christmas card on December 7. The portrait, taken in April, commemorated their 20th wedding anniversary at Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence in Rome. Framed in deep red, the card carried a classic message:
“Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.”
