It's time to forget the typical festive sweaters and awkward poses on Christmas cards: the Princes of Wales have arrived to redefine the concept of a Christmas card. Its 2023 edition, published this past Saturday, December 9, is the epitome of class and style.
Prince William and Kate Middleton, along with little George, Charlotte and Luis, pose with perfect coordination in white shirts and jeans, showing that comfort and family warmth can go hand in hand during these important holidays, which will be the first without Queen Elizabeth II.
Photographer Josh Shinner, known for his work in magazines such as Vogue and Esquire, has taken this black and white snapshot that evokes a 1991 portrait taken by Lord Snowdon. In it, a young Prince William also posed against a monochrome background.
This year, the royal family is shown around a velvet chair, with all five dressed in a casual style. Princess Charlotte, eight, stands out in the center, while Prince Louis, five, leans on the arm of the chair, and his father places her hand on his shoulder. For his part, the future king, ten-year-old Prince George, leans towards his mother, who affectionately puts her arm around him.
This Christmas card contrasts markedly with images the family has shared in previous years. Photos from 2020 and 2019 showed an autumn atmosphere in the grounds of Anmer Hall, while the one from 2021 portrayed the family on vacation in Jordan. Last year's photo, more summery, captured them walking hand in hand on their Norfolk estate.
Followers of the royal family have expressed their astonishment at how much the children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have grown. On social media, comments focus on the children's rapid development and Princess Charlotte's resemblance to a young Queen Elizabeth. "Great family photo, can't believe how fast kids grow!" one user wrote, while another commented: "I remember when all these babies were born, look how much they've grown!"
This long-awaited Christmas card from the Princes of Wales coincides with the publication of the Christmas card from King Charles and Queen Camilla, taken by Hugo Burnand on their coronation day, May 6.
In it, the British monarchs appear in the Throne Room of Buckingham Palace, wearing their ceremonial attire. King Charles wears the Imperial State Crown and the Queen wears the Queen Mary Crown, both with their respective State robes.
