Christmas cards from the royal family are usually a safe bet—warm smiles, festive tones, and a familiar sense of tradition. That’s why Prince William and Princess Catherine’s 2025 Christmas card caught so many people off guard. At first glance, the image feels intimate and relaxed, showing the Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children in a peaceful outdoor setting. But within hours of its release, fans began asking the same question: where was the Christmas spirit?
The photo, shared on Kensington Palace’s official social media channels, shows the family seated on a grassy field in Norfolk, surrounded by flowers. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis sit close to their parents in a moment that feels affectionate and natural. The message on the card is simple—“Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas”—yet many viewers quickly noticed the spring-like setting. Some praised the closeness and warmth of the family portrait, while others questioned why a Christmas card featured no winter elements, decorations, or seasonal cues at all.
Much of the discussion centered on the timing of the photo. It was taken in April by photographer Josh Shinner, during the same shoot used to mark Prince George’s 12th birthday and Prince Louis’s seventh. Online comments ranged from lighthearted to critical, with users pointing out the flowers, greenery, and lack of festive details. A few even speculated about photo editing, while others simply wished for a more traditional winter-themed image to mark the holiday season.
The debate comes after a challenging period for the Wales family. Prince William has described the past year as one of the hardest of his life, while Princess Catherine has been recovering following her cancer treatment and has since shared hopeful updates about her health. Seen in that light, the card may reflect a desire for calm, renewal, and simplicity rather than tradition. As the family prepares to spend Christmas at Sandringham with King Charles and Queen Camilla, the conversation around the card highlights how closely royal moments are watched—and how even the smallest details can spark big reactions.