It’s become a cherished tradition for royal watchers and fans of the British monarchy: the unveiling of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s annual Christmas card. On December 18, 2025, the Prince and Princess of Wales delighted the public once again, sharing a new family portrait that radiates warmth, unity, and a sense of renewal after a year filled with both challenges and hope.
The photograph, posted on the couple’s official Instagram account, captures Prince William and Princess Catherine—known formally as Kate Middleton—seated on the grass in a sunlit field at Sandringham. With them are their three children: Prince George, now 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. The family’s attire, a coordinated blend of preppy earth tones, olive-green sweaters, and classic blue jeans, adds a relaxed yet festive touch to the scene. Little Louis is seen lying comfortably on his father, while Charlotte rests her head on William’s shoulder, and George beams at the camera, bearing a striking resemblance to his father.
According to BBC, the image was taken in April 2025 by photographer Josh Shinner, a trusted collaborator who also shot the Waleses’ 2023 holiday card. The setting is not just picturesque; it’s symbolic. Sandringham has long been the heart of royal Christmas festivities, and this year’s photo session doubled as a celebration of family milestones, with similar images marking George and Louis’s birthdays earlier in the year.
The caption accompanying the card was simple but heartfelt: "Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas." The message, attributed to both Kate and William, echoes the family’s desire to share their gratitude and joy with the public. After a turbulent 2024, which saw Kate Middleton bravely disclose her cancer diagnosis and undergo treatment, the card feels especially poignant. As reported by Vanity Fair, Kate’s health journey has since moved into remission by 2025—news that has been met with relief and support from royal fans and well-wishers around the globe.
Behind the serene smiles and gentle embraces in the portrait lies a story of resilience and adaptation. Earlier this year, the family made the decision to move from Windsor’s Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park. This shift, described by a royal source to the BBC as “an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter,” was motivated in part by a desire to leave behind some of the more difficult memories associated with recent years. “Windsor has become their home. However, over the last few years while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage, there have been some really difficult times,” the insider explained. The move to Forest Lodge, then, marks not just a change of address, but a conscious step toward healing and renewal for the Waleses.
This sense of togetherness and optimism has been reflected in the family’s public appearances as well. Earlier in December, the Waleses attended Kate’s annual “Together at Christmas” carol service at Westminster Abbey. The event, which brought together not only the royal family but also members of the public, was a rare occasion for the entire family to step out in coordinated fashion. George, Charlotte, and Louis joined their parents, underscoring the family’s commitment to both tradition and community outreach during the holiday season.
Of course, the royal Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the time-honored gathering at Sandringham. As reported by multiple outlets, including BBC and Vanity Fair, the Wales family is expected to spend Christmas Day at the estate with King Charles and the wider royal family. The day typically includes a walk to church for mass and a festive meal shared among generations. However, this year’s celebration will look a little different, thanks to a subtle but meaningful change in protocol introduced by King Charles.
For years, the royal Christmas at Sandringham was known for its demanding schedule of outfit changes—sometimes up to six per day—which could be daunting for even the most seasoned family members. But as a royal insider told Vanity Fair, "It used to be a nightmare going to Sandringham because there used to be so many outfit changes, sometimes up to six a day. But the king has relaxed that." Now, the focus is on comfort and togetherness, with everyone donning black tie attire for Christmas dinner but enjoying fewer wardrobe changes overall. “There won’t be so many changes but everyone will wear black tie at Christmas dinner,” the source added.
The relaxed dress code reflects a broader shift under King Charles’s reign—one that prioritizes family unity and the well-being of its members over rigid adherence to tradition. For the Waleses, this evolution dovetails with their own journey over the past year. The challenges of 2024, particularly Kate’s health struggles, have drawn them closer together, as noted in the coverage by Harper’s Bazaar. The 2025 Christmas card, then, is more than just a photograph; it’s a testament to the family’s resilience and an expression of gratitude for the support they’ve received.
Fashion details from the portrait have not gone unnoticed by royal fans and style watchers. Kate’s brown sweater layered over a scalloped white top, paired with a holiday-appropriate houndstooth skirt, offers a subtle nod to tradition while remaining modern and approachable. Charlotte’s festive green cardigan and pine-green scarf, George’s green-and-brown vest, and Louis’s matching olive-green sweater all contribute to the card’s cozy, coordinated aesthetic. These choices, while seemingly simple, reinforce the family’s message of unity and togetherness.
As the world prepares to celebrate the holidays, the Wales family’s Christmas card serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of connection, tradition, and hope. The image, taken during a season of renewal and shared with the world at the close of a challenging chapter, resonates far beyond the royal sphere. It invites everyone to reflect on the value of family, the significance of new beginnings, and the quiet strength found in facing adversity together.
With their annual holiday portrait, Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their children have offered more than just a glimpse into their private lives. They have shared a message of resilience, gratitude, and optimism—one that feels especially timely as families everywhere gather to celebrate the season and look forward to the promise of a new year.
