“Where Is the Christmas?”: William and Kate’s 2025 Holiday Card Sparks Debate Over Its Springtime Photo

The card, shared via Kensington Palace’s social media channels, shows Prince William and Princess Catherine 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.

In the calm, springlike setting, Charlotte rests her head on William’s shoulder while holding his arm, and Louis leans comfortably against his father’s chest. Princess Catherine wraps an arm around their eldest, smiling warmly toward the camera. Beneath the photo, a simple message reads:

“Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”

Is it really Christmas?

While many viewers praised the close-knit, affectionate feel of the portrait, others questioned whether it looked festive enough for the season.

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.”

“Has there been more photoshopping?” questioned one fan, adding: “Where are Kathy’s legs? Bill only has one leg.”

A third asked: “Why is there nothing Christmasy on the card?”

And a fourth pointed out: “Photo taken in April.”

“Nice, but I really wish that one year they had a more Christmas / winter style photo…,” another person commented.

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

This is not the first time a royal holiday card has prompted discussion. The 2024 card, which featured a computer-generated snowy GIF, also drew attention—particularly because it arrived around the time Princess Catherine shared a pre-recorded video announcing she had completed chemotherapy following her March 2024 cancer diagnosis.

A year of fresh beginnings

The Waleses’ 2025 Christmas card follows a notably difficult period for the family. William described 2024 as “brutal,” according to Sky News, while Catherine said earlier this year that she had fully recovered from cancer. Since her diagnosis, the family has largely stepped back from public life.

In an interview with The Times, Prince William called the experience “the hardest year of my life.” Catherine has been in remission since January, signaling a more hopeful chapter ahead.

The couple has also moved into Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom home in Windsor Great Park, reflecting another new phase for the family. Catherine recently hosted her fifth Together at Christmas carol service, honoring community heroes who make a difference.

Christmas plans with the King and Queen

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

The King and Queen shared their own Christmas card on December 7. That portrait—also taken in April—marked their 20th wedding anniversary at Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence in Rome. Their card features a dark red frame and a traditional greeting:

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