The News
Family Portrait Fit for Royalty: Prince and Princess of Wales Unveil Christmas Card
The Prince and Princess of Wales have unveiled a heartwarming family portrait that will adorn the front of their Christmas card this year.
Captured in black-and-white by renowned photographer Josh Shinner in Windsor, the image showcases the royal family of five dressed in matching crisp white shirts.
Drawing inspiration from a 1991 portrait featuring a young Prince William against a similar backdrop, the new portrait exudes an air of intimacy and relaxation.
In the photo, the three royal children are depicted posing around a velvet chair, with Princess Charlotte taking center stage as she leans forward, donning jeans and canvas shoes.
Prince Louis gently rests his hand on the arm of the chair, with his father's hand placed reassuringly on his shoulder.
Prince George, the future king, leans against his mother Kate, who affectionately wraps her arm around him.
The princess herself is elegantly attired in a v-neck shirt paired with dark wash jeans, her brunette locks styled in chic 70s waves.
While the King and Queen have opted for a more formal coronation photograph taken at Buckingham Palace for their festive card, the Wales family's choice exudes a sense of understated elegance.
This year's card, capturing a candid moment of familial togetherness, stands in contrast to some of the more elaborate greetings issued by the royal family in the past.
The photograph, taken earlier this year at Windsor, continues a tradition of relaxed and colorful seasonal greetings by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Past cards have depicted the family in various settings, from strolls around their estate to holiday getaways.
The current card, with its subtle backdrop, bears a striking resemblance to a 1984 card issued by Charles and Diana, featuring a young Prince William and a newborn Prince Harry.
The release of this year's Christmas cards follows the Princess of Wales' hosting of the annual Christmas Carol concert at Westminster Abbey.
The star-studded event welcomed guests such as singers Beverly Knight and Adam Lambert, actor Jim Broadbent, and TV personalities Emma Willis and Roman Kemp.
Catherine took center stage at the concert, leading the royal family in a blend of traditional and modern Christmas music.
During the concert, the Princess engaged with young individuals who had shown exceptional kindness throughout the year, embodying the spirit of giving.
She surprised attendees with a special musical performance, playing a rendition of Wham's “Last Christmas” on John Lennon's piano.
A royal aide shared that the Princess aimed to emphasize the importance of early childhood experiences and the hope for a brighter, more compassionate future for all children.
As the evening unfolded at Westminster Abbey, over 1,500 individuals were honored for their selfless dedication to supporting the well-being of society's youngest members.
The event served as a poignant reminder of the significance of nurturing relationships, fostering kindness, and building a world founded on love and empathy.
In a time marked by celebrations of new beginnings, the royal family's message resonates with a call for a more inclusive and hopeful future.