Royal Christmas cards are typically received with warm approval and a sense of comforting tradition. This year, however, the Prince and Princess of Wales sparked an unexpectedly lively discussion online.
For generations, royal holiday portraits have offered the public a rare, personal glimpse into family life behind palace walls. The custom dates back to the Victorian era and has long been a cherished part of the monarchy’s festive season.
So when Prince William and Princess Catherine unveiled their 2025 Christmas card, many expected the familiar hallmarks of the holidays — winter scenery, seasonal décor, or a snow-dusted backdrop. Instead, the couple chose something very different: a serene springtime portrait. That unexpected choice quickly became the center of online conversation.
A Gentle Portrait Rooted in Nature
The photograph, taken in Norfolk by photographer Josh Shinner, shows William and Catherine seated together in a meadow, surrounded by greenery and soft blooms. Their children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — sit close by, their relaxed expressions and affectionate body language conveying warmth and ease.
The message on the card is simple and understated:
“Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”
Many supporters praised the image for its natural beauty and intimate feel, calling it a refreshing departure from stiff formality. Others, however, questioned whether a spring setting felt festive enough for a Christmas greeting.
Comments ranged from “Beautiful, but not very Christmassy” to “I wish they’d chosen a more winter-themed photo.”
Why This Choice Stood Out
While royal Christmas cards often feature photos taken months earlier, some viewers noticed that this particular image was already familiar. It had previously been released earlier in the year to mark Prince George’s 12th birthday and Prince Louis’s seventh.
For those hoping for something new or more seasonal, that detail added to the debate. Still, the decision may reflect something more meaningful than aesthetics alone.
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A Year of Challenge and Healing
The card arrives after an intensely emotional period for the Wales family. In 2024, Princess Catherine publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis, later confirming that she had completed chemotherapy and entered remission in January 2025.
Prince William has since described the past year as “brutal” and “the hardest of my life,” acknowledging the toll of personal hardship alongside royal duties.
Viewed in that context, the gentle portrait — captured months earlier — may symbolize simplicity, privacy, and hope rather than ceremony or spectacle.
Tradition, Reimagined
While King Charles and Queen Camilla opted for a more traditional image and message on their own Christmas card, William and Catherine chose a quieter, more intimate approach — one focused on togetherness rather than seasonal imagery.
And that may be the true message behind this year’s card: after uncertainty and recovery, the Wales family is moving forward with gratitude, closeness, and renewed optimism.
Festive or not, the portrait reflects a family stepping into the holidays on their own terms — gently, thoughtfully, and with hope for what lies ahead.
