Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Christmas Card Draws Attention Over One Unexpected Detail
Christmas cards have long been a quiet but meaningful tradition within the British royal family. Each year, they offer a carefully curated glimpse into private family life, balancing warmth with symbolism. But when Prince William and Kate Middleton unveiled their official 2025 Christmas card, one particular detail sparked a wave of online discussion.
While many admired the affectionate family portrait, others questioned whether the image truly reflected the festive season it was meant to celebrate.
A Longstanding Royal Tradition
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The tradition of royal Christmas cards dates back more than a century. Historical records from the Royal Collection Trust show that Queen Victoria’s children exchanged handmade holiday cards as early as the 1840s. In the 20th century, the custom evolved into the release of official photographs, beginning with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
Today, holiday cards serve as a bridge between the monarchy and the public. They are designed to feel personal while still carrying the weight of tradition. Over the years, the royal family has alternated between formal portraits and more relaxed, informal images, depending on the tone of the year.
The 2025 Wales Family Card
The 2025 card from the Prince and Princess of Wales was released through Kensington Palace’s official social media channels. The image shows the couple seated outdoors on a grassy field in Norfolk, surrounded by wildflowers and soft natural light.
With them are their three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.
The scene is intimate and relaxed. Charlotte leans her head gently against her father’s shoulder, Louis rests against William’s chest, and Catherine wraps an arm around George. The family appears at ease, dressed casually rather than formally.
The message printed on the card is simple and understated:
“Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”
Why Some Viewers Were Surprised
Despite the warm reception from many supporters, the photograph also prompted a wave of online comments questioning its seasonal relevance.
Several social media users pointed out that the setting looked more like spring than winter. Flowers in bloom, green grass, and light clothing led some to ask whether the image felt appropriate for a Christmas card.
Comments ranged from polite curiosity to mild criticism. Some users asked why there were no visible winter elements, while others wondered whether the image should have been taken closer to December.
A recurring observation was that the photograph was taken earlier in the year. In fact, the image was captured in April by photographer Josh Shinner, during the same photo session used to mark Prince George’s 12th birthday and Prince Louis’s seventh.
For some observers, using a springtime photograph for a Christmas card felt out of sync with tradition. Others, however, saw the choice as intentional rather than accidental.
Not the First Time a Card Has Sparked Debate
This is not the first occasion when royal holiday cards have attracted scrutiny. The family’s 2024 card also generated discussion after it featured a digitally animated snowfall effect.
That release coincided with a deeply personal moment for Catherine, who had shared a pre-recorded video earlier that year announcing she had completed chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis in March 2024. At the time, the focus was less on the aesthetics of the card and more on the broader context of health, recovery, and privacy.
Royal observers note that Christmas cards often reflect the emotional tone of the year rather than strict seasonal imagery.
A Year of Recovery and Reset
The choice of a calm, non-winter image appears to reflect where the Wales family currently stands. In interviews earlier this year, Prince William described 2024 as “the hardest year of my life,” referencing his wife’s illness and the family’s decision to step back from public duties.
Catherine has since confirmed that she is in remission, with doctors declaring her cancer-free earlier this year. Since January, the family has gradually resumed engagements, though with a noticeably more cautious approach to public life.
The springtime photograph, taken during a quieter period, may symbolize stability and renewal rather than festivity in the traditional sense.
A New Chapter for the Family
The Wales family has also experienced significant changes behind the scenes. They recently moved into Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom residence in Windsor Great Park, marking a shift toward a more private family environment.
Catherine has resumed her charitable work at a measured pace and recently hosted her fifth Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. The event focused on recognizing individuals and community groups who support others during difficult times, a theme closely aligned with the family’s experiences over the past year.
Christmas With the King
According to the BBC, the Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to spend Christmas Day at Sandringham with King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The King and Queen released their own Christmas card earlier this month. Like the Wales family’s card, it was also taken in April, during their visit to Rome to mark their 20th wedding anniversary at Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence.
Their card features a more traditional presentation, framed in deep red with a classic holiday message wishing recipients a happy Christmas and New Year.
More Than a Seasonal Snapshot
While debate over seasonal imagery continues online, royal commentators suggest that the discussion may be missing the broader point.
For a family that has endured a year marked by illness, uncertainty, and reduced public visibility, the image communicates closeness and reassurance rather than spectacle. The absence of winter scenery may be less an oversight and more a reflection of intentional restraint.
Royal Christmas cards have never been solely about decorations. They are statements of continuity, resilience, and connection. In that sense, the Wales family’s 2025 card may say more about where they are emotionally than about the time of year it represents.
Whether viewed as unconventional or quietly symbolic, the photograph has succeeded in one key respect: it has sparked conversation, reminded the public of the family’s journey, and highlighted a moment of calm after a challenging chapter.
And for many supporters, that sense of togetherness may be the most meaningful holiday message of all.
