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The Prince and Princess of Wales have selected a touching family photograph for their official Christmas card this year. The previously unseen image was taken by Yorkshire-born photographer Josh Shinner in Norfolk in April.
Shared via Kensington Palace’s social media channels, the photo shows William, Catherine, and their three children seated together in a grassy field dotted with spring daffodils. Dressed casually in jeans, shirts, and jumpers, the family appear relaxed and at ease, with Prince William even coordinating his look with his youngest son, Prince Louis.
The close-knit family are pictured sitting shoulder to shoulder. Princess Charlotte, 10, sweetly rests her head on her father’s shoulder while holding his arm, as seven-year-old Louis leans back between William’s legs, flashing his trademark gap-toothed smile. Catherine, wearing her long brown hair loose, sits beside her husband with her arm around Prince George, 12, who is seated in front of her with his sleeves rolled up and a gilet layered over his outfit.
The photograph appears to have been taken during the same shoot used for George’s 12th birthday portraits and Louis’s seventh birthday images.
The caption accompanying the post read: “Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”
Royal fans were quick to react to the new image, flooding the comments with warm messages. One wrote: “Such a beautiful family and lovely photograph. A safe and happy Christmas and New Year to you.” Another commented: “Merry Christmas to you too! Beautiful picture, love it.” A third added: “Merry Christmas. Very best wishes for the new year to everyone everywhere. Lovely family, lovely photo.”
Josh Shinner has photographed the Wales family on several occasions, including their 2023 Christmas card, which featured a classic black-and-white portrait.
Senior members of the royal family traditionally release photographs chosen for their official Christmas cards each year.
Earlier this month, the King and Queen shared theirs, opting for an image taken during their 20th wedding anniversary celebrations in Rome. The photograph shows Charles and Camilla standing arm in arm in the gardens of Villa Wolkonsky, smiling warmly at the camera.
Surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery, the couple are pictured in the grounds of the British ambassador’s residence in the Italian capital. The image was captured by renowned royal photographer Chris Jackson during their state visit to Italy in April.
Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales are spending the festive period together and are expected to join the King and the wider Royal Family at Sandringham in Norfolk on Christmas Day.
