Family portraits are a Christmas card tradition, and the British royal family has long embraced the custom. But when the Prince and Princess of Wales unveiled their 2025 holiday card, one unexpected detail quickly ignited debate online.

Each year, King Charles and his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, release festive family photos offering a glimpse into both landmark moments and quieter, more personal chapters of their lives. The tradition of exchanging Christmas greetings dates back to the early 19th century, when Queen Victoria’s children sent handmade cards — many of which are now preserved by the Royal Collection Trust. Official royal family photographs followed later, beginning with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and have since become a cherished way for the monarchy to connect with the public during the festive season.

When Prince William and Princess Catherine revealed their 2025 Christmas card, the image immediately drew attention — not just for its warmth, but for what many felt was missing.

The photograph, shared on Kensington Palace’s official social media channels, shows the couple seated on a grassy field in Norfolk, surrounded by flowers and joined by their three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven. The scene feels intimate and relaxed. Charlotte rests her head on William’s shoulder while holding his arm, Louis leans against his father’s chest, and Catherine wraps an arm around George as she smiles at the camera.

The card bears a simple message:

“Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”

Is it really Christmas?

While many praised the closeness and natural feel of the portrait, others questioned whether it reflected the holiday season at all.

One social media user asked bluntly: ”Where is the Christmas?”

Another wrote: “Very lovely – but not very seasonal is it? The children change so much, so fast, it would be lovely to have a more recent picture IMHO.”

Questions about editing also surfaced. One commenter asked: “Has there been more photoshopping?” before adding: “Where are Kathy’s legs? Bill only has one leg.”

Others echoed similar sentiments, with one writing: “Why is there nothing Christmasy on the card?” and another pointing out: ”Photo taken in April.”

A fifth added: ”Nice, but I really wish that one year they had a more Christmas / winter style photo….”

The criticism stems from the fact that the image was taken in April by photographer Josh Shinner — the same photoshoot used to mark Prince George’s 12th birthday and Prince Louis’ seventh.

Not the first time eyebrows were raised

This isn’t the first time the royal family’s Christmas card has sparked discussion. The Waleses’ 2024 card, which featured a computer-generated snowy GIF, also drew attention. That release coincided with Princess Catherine sharing a pre-recorded video announcing she had completed chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis in March 2024.

A year of fresh beginnings

The 2025 Christmas card arrives after a particularly difficult chapter for the family. Prince William previously described 2024 as “brutal,” according to Sky News, while Catherine confirmed earlier this year that she had fully recovered from cancer. Since her diagnosis, the family has largely stepped back from public engagements.

Speaking to The Times, Prince William called the past year “the hardest year of my life.” Catherine has been in remission since January, marking what the couple has described as a hopeful new beginning.

The family has also relocated to Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom residence within Windsor Great Park, symbolizing a fresh chapter. Catherine recently hosted her fifth Together at Christmas carol service, honoring community heroes who make a meaningful difference.

Christmas with the King and Queen

Prince William and Princess Catherine are expected to spend Christmas Day at Sandringham with King Charles and Queen Camilla, according to the BBC.

The King and Queen released their own Christmas card on December 7. That portrait, also taken in April, commemorated their 20th wedding anniversary at Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence in Rome. Framed in dark red, their card carries a traditional message:

“Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.”