At first glance, it looks like a simple Christmas card. A smiling Prince William. A radiant Princess Kate. And between them, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — all grown just enough to make people stop scrolling.
At first glance, it looks like a simple Christmas card. A smiling Prince William. A radiant Princess Kate. And between them, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — all grown just enough to make people stop scrolling. But within minutes of the card being unveiled, royal watchers noticed something else. This wasn’t just a holiday photo. It was a statement. Prince Louis, in particular, has stolen the spotlight yet again — flashing an irresistible grin that fans say captures the exact moment he’s turning from “royal mischief-maker” into something very different. And once you see it, you can’t unsee it. People are pointing out subtle details. The body language. The expressions. The quiet choices that feel more intentional than festive. Some are calling it the most personal Christmas card the Wales family has ever released. Others say it sends a surprisingly powerful message about the year they’ve had — and the one ahead. Why does this card feel different from past years? What small detail has royal fans buzzing? And why is Prince Louis’ smile suddenly making headlines all on its own?
The Prince and Princess of Wales released a new family photograph today for their Christmas card with children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The picture, taken by Josh Shinner in Norfolk in April, was posted on Kensington Palace’s social media with the caption: ‘Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.’
The image shows William and Kate smiling as they sit on the grass amid spring daffodils with their children, with the Princess also seen with her arm around George.
Charlotte is resting her head on her father’s shoulder and holding onto his arm, while a relaxed Louis – without his top front teeth – is leaning back between William’s legs.
The picture appeared to be from the same photoshoot by Mr Shinner used to capture portraits for George’s 12th birthday in July and Louis’s seventh birthday in April.
A further photo of William with their three children was released on Father’s Day in June and also appeared to be from the same picture set by the photographer.
The new image was released two days after William and Kate joined other royals at the King’s annual pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.
Charles III and Queen Camilla chose their 20th wedding anniversary portrait for their official Christmas card this year, which was released to the public on December 6.
The Prince and Princess of Wales released a new family photograph for their Christmas card
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 5
One day earlier, the Waleses and their children joined a congregation of celebrities, sporting stars and community stalwarts for Kate’s Together at Christmas service.
Kate presided over the carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 5, with 1,600 guests filling the pews where the Princess and her husband married in 2011.
William, Kate and the children are expected to join the King and Queen along with other members of the Royal Family at Sandringham in Norfolk for Christmas Day.
Charles is also thought to have invited Camilla’s children and their families, as well as his nieces Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie – but not their disgraced father Andrew.
The Waleses could also appear for the Christmas Day service alongside Charles which involves a traditional walkabout after church where they meet well-wishers.
The Waleses arrive for the King’s pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday
The 2025 Christmas card for King Charles III and Queen Camilla was released on December 6
The family-of-five experienced a major change just a few weeks ago when they moved into their eight-bedroom ‘forever home’, Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park.
