Prince William and Princess Kate’s Christmas Card Sparks Debate — and Fans Can’t Agree on One Detail
Royal Christmas cards are usually met with warm approval and quiet tradition, but this year, the Prince and Princess of Wales stirred a surprisingly lively reaction online.
For decades, royal holiday portraits have been a beloved seasonal custom, offering the public a personal glimpse of family life behind palace walls.
The tradition dates back to the Victorian era and continues today as a hallmark of festive greetings from the monarchy.
So when Prince William and Princess Catherine revealed their 2025 Christmas card, many expected winter scenes, holiday décor, or a snowy backdrop.
Instead, the royal couple chose a calm springtime portrait, and the timing of that choice quickly became the focus of online conversation.
A Gentle, Nature-Filled Portrait
The photo — taken in Norfolk by photographer Josh Shinner — shows William and Catherine sitting in a meadow surrounded by greenery and flowers.
Their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, sit close by, with warm expressions and relaxed body language.
The message on the card reads simply:
“Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”
Supporters praised the portrait for its natural look and affectionate poses, calling it a refreshing break from formality.
But others questioned whether the spring setting felt “festive” enough for a Christmas greeting.
Comments ranged from:
“Lovely — but not very Christmassy.”
to
“I wish they chose a more winter-themed photo.”
Why the Photo Choice Matters
While royal cards often use images taken months earlier, this particular shoot was already familiar, it was used earlier in the year to mark Prince George’s 12th birthday and Prince Louis’s seventh.
That detail didn’t go unnoticed by viewers who hoped for something more seasonal or newly captured.
The Wales family’s choice may reflect something deeper than aesthetics.
A Year Marked by Challenge and Recovery
The card arrives after an incredibly emotional period for the family. Princess Catherine publicly shared her cancer diagnosis in 2024 and later confirmed she had completed chemotherapy and entered remission in January 2025.
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Prince William recently described the previous year as “brutal” and “the hardest of my life,” acknowledging the strain of personal challenges alongside royal responsibilities.
Against that backdrop, the gentle portrait — photographed months earlier — may signal simplicity, privacy, and optimism rather than pageantry.
Tradition Meets Modern Interpretation
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 tone — one that highlights togetherness over seasonal themes.
And that may be the real message behind this year’s portrait:
after a period of uncertainty and healing, the Wales family is stepping into the holidays with gratitude, closeness, and a renewed sense of hope.
Whether or not the springtime setting feels festive enough, the card reflects a family moving forward — gently and on their own terms.
