Prince William and Kate Middleton he unveiled their 2025 Christmas card, but one detail has left some royal fans unimpressed.
The Prince and Princess of Wales shared the family portrait via Kensington Palace’s official social media accounts.
The image shows the couple sitting on a grassy field in Norfolk, surrounded by flowers, with their three children close by.
Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, are pictured in a relaxed, informal pose.
Charlotte rests her head on Prince William’s shoulder while holding his arm, as Louis leans back against his father’s chest.
Princess Catherine has her arm wrapped around George, smiling softly in what appears to be a springtime setting.
The card’s message is simple and understated, reading: “Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”
Social media reaction to the royal photoWhile many fans praised the warmth and closeness of the family portrait, others were less enthusiastic.
Several social media users questioned the lack of festive elements in the image.
One person asked: “Where is the Christmas?” while another commented: “Very lovely, but not very seasonal is it?”
A third wrote: “Why is there nothing Christmasy on the card?” with another adding: “Photo taken in April.”
Others noted how quickly the children are growing, suggesting a more recent photo might he felt more fitting.
The criticism centres on the fact that the image was taken months earlier, rather than closer to the festive season.
Why the photo looks more spring than winterThe photograph was taken in April by royal photographer Josh Shinner.
It comes from the same photoshoot used earlier this year to mark Prince George’s 12th birthday and Prince Louis’ seventh.
This has led some fans to feel the image feels more like a family portrait than a traditional Christmas card.
The decision also follows last year’s unconventional approach, which raised eyebrows for different reasons.
A pattern of breaking traditionThe Waleses’ 2024 Christmas card also sparked debate among royal watchers.
That card featured a computer-generated snowy GIF, breaking from long-standing royal tradition.
It was released on the same day Princess Catherine shared a pre-recorded video announcing she had completed chemotherapy.
She had revealed her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, making the card especially poignant at the time.
A fresh chapter for the Wales familyThis year’s card comes after what Prince William previously described as a “brutal” year for the family.
Earlier in 2025, Princess Catherine confirmed she had recovered from cancer.
The family has since moved into Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom home in Windsor Great Park, marking a fresh start.
Kate recently hosted her fifth Together at Christmas carol service, honouring people who support their communities.
The Waleses are expected to spend Christmas Day with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Sandringham.
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s festive cardKing Charles and Queen Camilla released their own Christmas card earlier this month, on December 7.
Their card features a portrait taken in April to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary.
The image shows the couple standing together in the gardens of Villa Wolkonsky in Rome.
Framed with a dark red border, the card carries a traditional message wishing recipients a Happy Christmas and New Year.