The Prince and Princess of Wales have chosen a tender family portrait as their official Christmas card for 2025, offering the public a glimpse of their close-knit family unit as they celebrate the festive season together.
A Portrait of Family Unity
The photograph, shared on the official Kensington Royal social media channels on Thursday 18 December 2025, captures a relaxed moment between William, Kate, and their three children. The family is pictured sitting on grass, surrounded by a sea of daffodils. Princess Charlotte, aged 10, is seen resting her head affectionately on her father's shoulder, while Prince Louis leans back comfortably into William's chest. The Princess of Wales has her arm wrapped around her eldest son, Prince George, who recently turned 12.
The image carries significant emotional weight, representing a period of stability and togetherness for the Wales family. It was captured by photographer Josh Shinner during a shoot in Norfolk in April. The same session was reportedly used for the individual birthday portraits released for George's 12th and Louis's 7th birthdays earlier in the year.
A Festive Season of Fresh Starts
This year's Christmas celebrations hold particular importance for the family. The card's release follows what Prince William previously described as a "brutal" 2024, after the Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis at the start of 2025. Her subsequent recovery has been a central focus, making this festive period a symbol of hope and renewal.
The family is now settled into their new home, the eight-bedroom Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, a move seen as part of a new chapter. For Christmas Day itself, they are expected to join King Charles III and the wider Royal Family at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, upholding the traditional gathering.
The card's simple message, "Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas," accompanies the image. This public gesture comes shortly after Kate's visible return to royal duties, including her participation in her fifth Together at Christmas carol service earlier in December, which honours community contributors.
A Symbol of Resilience and Hope
The selection of this joyful, intimate family photo for the annual Christmas card is widely interpreted as a deliberate message of resilience and optimism. It visually underscores the family's strength and unity following a challenging period, turning a personal milestone into a shared moment of celebration with the public as the new year approaches.
