The Prince and Princess of Wales have unveiled their heartwarming family portrait that will grace the front of their Christmas card this year.
Captured by renowned fashion and portrait photographer Josh Shinner earlier in Windsor, the black-and-white image showcases the family of five dressed in matching crisp white shirts.
Reminiscent of a 1991 portrait by Lord Snowdon, where a young Prince William stood against a black-and-white backdrop, the Prince and Princess, along with their three children, strike poses around a velvet chair.
In the center of the frame, we see middle child Princess Charlotte leaning forward in the chair, donning jeans and canvas shoes.
Prince Louis rests his hand on the arm of the chair, while his father’s hand gently rests on his shoulder.
Future king, Prince George, leans against his mother Kate, who lovingly wraps her arm around her son’s waist.
The princess herself exudes elegance, wearing a v-neck shirt paired with dark wash jeans, her brunette locks styled in 70s-inspired waves.
Contrasting the Wales family’s relaxed portrait, the king and queen have chosen a coronation photograph taken at Buckingham Palace for their festive card, which will be shared with friends, family, and colleagues.
While less formal than the king’s card, this year’s depiction exhibits a sense of restraint compared to previous season’s greetings.
Acclaimed photographer Josh Schinner captured William, Catherine, and their children during a photoshoot earlier this year in Windsor.
Last year’s card featured a delightful snapshot of the family strolling hand-in-hand around their Norfolk estate, while their 2021 photograph showcased the couple and their children enjoying a holiday in Jordan.
Throughout their tenure as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, their cards have maintained a relaxed and often vibrant aesthetic.
For instance, their 2018 card depicted them sitting on a tree trunk in Anmer Hall, Norfolk.
This year’s card also continues the tradition of informal festive greetings by the Prince of Wales.
Cards released during Charles and Diana’s time were similarly laid-back in nature.
The backdrop of this year’s card bears a striking resemblance to the one issued by Charles and Diana in 1984, featuring a mischievous Prince William and a young Prince Harry, born in September of that year.
The unveiling of the Christmas cards follows the Princess of Wales’ annual Christmas Carol concert at Westminster Abbey, held just last Friday.
The Together at Christmas concert boasted a star-studded guest list, including renowned singers Beverly Knight and Adam Lambert, actor Jim Broadbent, and TV presenters Emma Willis and Roman Kemp.
Catherine took center stage, leading the royal family in a blend of traditional and contemporary Christmas music.
During the event, the Princess of Wales engaged in conversations with children who had gone above and beyond in helping others throughout the year.
As a special treat for the guests, she performed a rendition of Wham’s “Last Christmas” on John Lennon’s piano.
A royal aide shared that the Princess aimed to remind people of the preciousness of a child’s early years, coinciding with the world celebrating the birth of a newborn baby.
This serves as a reminder of the uniqueness of this time and how crucial it is as we establish our first relationships, form bonds with loved ones, and explore the world around us.
It also symbolizes hope for a brighter future, where we aspire for our children to grow up in a happier, healthier, fairer, kinder, and more tolerant world—a world built on love and compassion.