A Cozy Card With a Curious Twist: Why the Waleses’ 2025 Christmas Photo Sparked Debate
At first, it looks like the kind of image you’d expect from a future king and queen—warm smiles, close family, and a sense of calm togetherness. But it didn’t take long for royal watchers to notice something that felt slightly off about the Prince and Princess of Wales’ 2025 Christmas card. Instead of winter coats, twinkling lights, or festive backdrops, the family appears surrounded by greenery and spring flowers. Naturally, questions followed.
Was it an innocent stylistic choice—or was there a deeper reason behind using a springtime photograph for a Christmas greeting?
A Royal Tradition Under the Microscope
Holiday cards have long been part of royal life, serving as a bridge between the monarchy and the public. The tradition stretches back to the 1800s, when Queen Victoria’s children created handmade greetings—many of which are still preserved today. In the modern era, official Christmas portraits became common during the reign of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, setting a standard that continues across generations.
Today, Christmas cards from King Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry are closely examined not just as seasonal greetings, but as subtle reflections of family life, public messaging, and royal priorities.
The Detail Everyone Noticed
The Waleses’ 2025 card, released through Kensington Palace’s social media accounts, features Prince William and Princess Catherine seated outdoors in Norfolk, surrounded by wildflowers and open grassland. Their children—Prince George (12), Princess Charlotte (10), and Prince Louis (7)—sit close, leaning into their parents with relaxed affection.
The message is simple and traditional:
“Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”
What caught attention, however, was the unmistakably spring-like setting. Social media users quickly began commenting:
“It’s lovely—but where’s the Christmas feeling?”
“Beautiful photo, but the kids grow so fast. Why not use something more recent?”
Others jokingly speculated about editing choices or noticed visual oddities, while many simply pointed out the timing: “This was taken in April.”
Indeed, the image came from an April photoshoot by photographer Josh Shinner, the same session used earlier in the year for Prince George’s 12th birthday portrait and Prince Louis’ seventh.
Not the First Time Eyebrows Were Raised
This isn’t the first recent holiday card from the royal family to prompt discussion. The Waleses’ 2024 card featured a digitally animated snowfall and coincided with Catherine sharing a recorded message announcing she had completed chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis earlier that year.
The past two years have been especially challenging for the family. Prince William publicly described 2024 as “brutal,” and while Catherine entered remission in January, the couple significantly reduced public appearances while focusing on recovery and family life.
They have since settled into Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom residence within Windsor Great Park, signaling a quieter chapter. Catherine also recently hosted her fifth Together at Christmas carol service, honoring individuals who serve their communities.
A Wider Royal Pattern
Interestingly, King Charles and Queen Camilla’s 2025 Christmas card also relied on an earlier photograph. Released on December 7, their card features an image taken in April during celebrations of their 20th wedding anniversary at Villa Wolkonsky in Rome. Framed in deep red, it bears the message:
“Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.”
The shared timing suggests a broader royal preference this year—perhaps practicality, symbolism, or a desire to highlight meaningful moments rather than seasonal aesthetics.
Final Thoughts
While some fans wished for a more traditional winter scene, the Waleses’ 2025 Christmas card seems less about festive visuals and more about continuity, resilience, and togetherness after a demanding year. The use of an April photograph may feel unconventional, but it also reflects a family prioritizing stability over spectacle.
As ever, even the simplest royal traditions invite global scrutiny—proof that when it comes to the monarchy, no detail is ever just a detail.