It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the British royal family is celebrating in style—albeit with a fresh, informal twist. On December 18, 2025, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, released their much-anticipated annual Christmas card, delighting royal watchers across the globe. The card features a new family portrait with their three children: Prince George, now 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.
The image, shot by photographer Josh Shinner in April 2025 at the family’s Norfolk country home, captures the Wales family outdoors, lounging in a field of wildflowers and daffodils. It’s a relaxed scene: William sits at the center, dressed in a green jumper and jeans, with a cropped beard and his signature balding hair. Little Louis, sporting a gapped-tooth grin, sits between his father’s legs wearing similar clothes. Charlotte leans in, wrapped in a green jumper and tartan scarf, her long brown hair framing a smile. George, the eldest, sits cross-legged in blue jeans and a brown gilet, his white shirt sleeves rolled up, looking every bit the young man he’s becoming. Catherine, in a deep red jumper, wraps her arms lovingly around the group, her presence radiating warmth and togetherness.
Accompanying the image was a simple, heartfelt message shared on the couple’s social media channels: “Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.” According to BBC, the card projects “an informal approach to royalty,” a millennial vision of a monarchy that’s more approachable and less bound by tradition, at least in its public image.
This year’s card stands in marked contrast to previous years. In 2023, the family’s Christmas card was a formal black-and-white studio portrait, complete with official poses and a draped canvas background—very much the classic royal aesthetic. Last year, the Waleses chose a still from the video in which Catherine announced the end of her chemotherapy treatment, also taken in Norfolk but carrying deep personal significance. Now, the 2025 card’s casual, outdoorsy vibe signals a continued shift toward authenticity and family closeness.
The photo session with Josh Shinner wasn’t just for Christmas. As reported by multiple outlets, images from the same April shoot were used for the children’s birthday portraits throughout the year. George’s 12th birthday and Louis’ 7th were marked with photos from that day, while Charlotte’s milestone in May featured her in a camouflage jacket, underscoring her independent spirit. The decision to reuse these candid shots suggests a desire to present a consistent, genuine family image—one that resonates with the public’s appetite for relatability.
The Wales family’s year has been filled with both joyful and challenging moments. Catherine’s gradual return to public life after her battle with cancer has been closely watched. In January, she announced she was in remission, writing, “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.” Her return has been measured, balancing family time with carefully chosen public appearances.
Earlier this month, on December 5, the family attended the annual “Together At Christmas” carol service at Westminster Abbey, an event hosted by Catherine herself. The service, which will air in the UK on Christmas Eve, celebrates individuals and communities fostering togetherness. The event was a family affair, with extended members including Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Zara and Mike Tindall, and several Middletons in attendance. Guests received a letter from Catherine, reflecting on the season’s deeper meaning: “There is a softness to the season that reminds us of something easy to forget; that what we do matters. Our words, our choices, and even the ways we look out for one another—they ripple outward, touching lives we may never see.”
Tradition still holds sway for the royals. The Waleses are expected to spend Christmas at Sandringham, King Charles III’s estate in Norfolk, alongside the rest of the royal family. The holiday rituals remain unchanged: a German-style gift exchange on Christmas Eve, church service and lunch on Christmas Day, followed by the King’s televised address and a buffet dinner. Boxing Day brings the annual pheasant shoot on the estate’s grounds—a custom as old as the monarchy itself.
This festive season also saw King Charles III and Queen Camilla release their own Christmas card, featuring a photograph taken in April in the gardens of Villa Wolkonsky in Rome during their state visit to Italy. The King and Queen, standing side by side and smiling, offered a message of holiday cheer: “Wishing you a very happy Christmas and New Year.”
Beyond the Christmas festivities, the royal family’s year has been eventful. In August, William and Catherine prepared to move into their “forever home” at Forest Lodge, Windsor, marking a new chapter for the family. The couple celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary during an official visit to the Isle of Mull in Scotland—a quiet milestone amid a busy royal calendar.
Elsewhere in the family, big changes have unfolded. King Charles III, after sharing his own cancer diagnosis last year, wrote movingly about his health journey, calling it “an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.” Prince Andrew, embroiled in controversy over his association with Jeffrey Epstein, was formally stripped of his titles and removed from his home by the King. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, faced her own setbacks, losing a charity patronage after a resurfaced email to Epstein. Meanwhile, Prince Harry’s ongoing legal battles over security in the UK and his efforts to reconcile with his father have kept the family in the headlines.
Amid all this, the Wales children have continued to grow up in the public eye. George made his first public appearance of 2025 at a soccer match in Paris with his father. The family’s rare outing to Wimbledon in June brought smiles and congratulations to tennis champions, further cementing their image as a modern, engaged royal family.
As 2025 winds down, the royal family’s Christmas card offers a snapshot of resilience, unity, and gentle transformation. The image of William, Catherine, and their children—smiling together in a field of daffodils—captures more than a holiday wish. It’s a portrait of a family navigating the challenges of public life with grace, humor, and a touch of informality that feels just right for the times.
