Prince William and Kate’s Christmas card photo sparks fan criticism
As per tradition, the royals shared the much-awaited Christmas card photo.
Exchanging Christmas greetings has been a royal custom since the early 1800s, with handcrafted cards made by Queen Victoria’s children still preserved by the Royal Collection Trust. Official family photographs followed later, starting with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and today continue to symbolise the family’s connection with the public during the festive season.
This year’s image shows Prince William and Princess Kate together with their three children sitting on a grassy field in Norfolk.
Princess Charlotte leans into her father, resting her head on his shoulder as she holds his arm, while Prince Louis reclines against his father’s chest. Princess Catherine stands close with her arm around George, smiling warmly in a setting that suggests spring.
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While many found the photo the royals used to wish everyone happy holidays adorable, there were also those who criticised the family because of the lack of festive elements.
“Where is the Christmas?” one person wondered.
“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,” another added.
“Has there been more photoshopping?” a fan questioned, adding: “Where are Kathy’s legs? Bill only has one leg.”
Another person wondered: “Why is there nothing Christmasy on the card?”
Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.
📸Josh Shinner, April 2025 pic.twitter.com/KC4LOuYglC
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) December 18, 2025
A fourth pointed out: ”Photo taken in April.”
Much of the criticism comes from the fact that the photo was taken back in April by photographer Josh Shinner, during the same shoot used to mark George’s 12th birthday and Louis’ seventh.
It isn’t the first time a royal Christmas card has sparked debate.
The family’s 2024 card, which featured a computer-generated snowy GIF, also drew attention after being released around the same time Princess Catherine shared a pre-recorded video confirming she had completed chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis earlier that year.
King Charles and Queen Camilla also released their own Christmas card on December 7. It was a photo taken in April for their 20th wedding anniversary at Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence in Rome. Set against a deep red background, the card featured a traditional message, “Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.”