Royal Christmas cards are a long-standing tradition, but the Prince and Princess of Wales’ 2025 card sparked unexpected debate online.
The card, shared by Kensington Palace, shows Prince William and Princess Catherine seated outdoors in Norfolk with their three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — in a springtime setting. The simple message reads: “Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”
While many praised the warm family moment, others questioned the lack of festive elements. Social media users pointed out the absence of Christmas décor and noted the photo was taken in April during a shoot by photographer Josh Shinner, which also produced images for George’s and Louis’ birthday portraits.
Critics called the image “not very seasonal,” with some asking why there was “nothing Christmasy” about it. Similar reactions followed the family’s 2024 card, which featured a computer-generated snowy image.
The card comes after a difficult year for the Wales family. Prince William described 2024 as “the hardest year of my life,” following Princess Catherine’s cancer diagnosis and recovery. Now in remission, the family has largely stayed out of the public eye and recently moved into Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, marking a fresh chapter.
The Waleses are expected to spend Christmas at Sandringham with King Charles and Queen Camilla, who also released their own April-shot Christmas card earlier this month.