Prince William and Kate Middleton celebrated the festive season by unveiling their annual Christmas card, which captures their family together in a vibrant portrait. Shared on Instagram on December 7, 2023, the photo features the couple alongside their three children—Prince George, aged 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7—smiling in a picturesque field. The card conveys a warm message: “Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”
The striking image was taken in April at Sandringham by renowned photographer Josh Shinner, a long-time collaborator with the royal family. This particular photo is part of a broader spring-themed shoot that also commemorated other family milestones earlier in the year, including the birthdays of George and Louis.
Family Resilience and New Beginnings
This year’s Christmas card holds special significance following the treatment Kate Middleton underwent for cancer, which she publicly disclosed last year and later confirmed had moved into remission. In light of these challenges, the family’s recent relocation from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park symbolizes a “fresh start,” according to a source who spoke with the BBC.
“Windsor has become their home,” the insider noted, referring to the family’s evolving circumstances. “However, over the last few years while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage, there have been some really difficult times. Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter.” The source emphasized that this transition allows them to leave behind some of the more unhappy memories.
The Wales family has gradually re-emerged into the public eye. Earlier in December, they participated in Kate’s annual “Together at Christmas” carol service held at Westminster Abbey, where George, Charlotte, and Louis made a rare coordinated appearance alongside their parents.
Christmas Traditions and Changes
As Christmas approaches, the royal family is expected to maintain their traditional practices. On Christmas Day, they will walk to church for mass and share a festive meal at the Sandringham estate with King Charles and other members of the royal family.
This year’s gathering will feature a shift in outfit protocol, as reported by Vanity Fair. A royal insider revealed, “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.” The source added that while there will be fewer outfit changes, everyone will don black tie for the Christmas dinner.
The combination of their Christmas card, family traditions, and recent changes in their lives creates a poignant narrative for the Prince and Princess of Wales as they embrace the holiday season together.
