The British Royal Family has officially ushered in the festive season with the release of their 2025 holiday greetings. Kensington Palace shared the Christmas card from the Prince and Princess of Wales on Thursday, featuring a beaming family portrait.
The Wales Family's Joyful Holiday Portrait
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, released their 2025 holiday card featuring all five members of their immediate family. The photograph captures Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis alongside their parents, all smiling broadly. The family's simple Christmas message accompanying the image reads, “Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”
The portrait was not taken recently but is a special snapshot from earlier in the year. Photographer Josh Shinner captured the image in the month of April. The decision to use a springtime photo for the winter holiday card is a common practice for the royals, often selecting professional shots from official engagements or personal moments.
King Charles and Queen Camilla's Italian-Inspired Card
This release follows the earlier holiday card shared by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The monarchs chose a photograph from their state visit to Italy. The image was taken in the gardens of the Villa Wolkonsky in Rome during their April trip.
Renowned royal photographer Chris Jackson was behind the lens for this official portrait. The Royal Family's Instagram account marked the card's release with a playful caption: “🎄✨It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!” The card from the King and Queen carries the traditional greeting: “Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.”
A Festive Tradition Continues
The annual release of royal Christmas cards is a much-anticipated tradition, offering the public a glimpse into the personal lives of the monarchy while extending seasonal goodwill. The coordinated yet separate releases from the Wales household and the King highlight the working roles within the modern royal structure.
Both cards emphasize family and continuity, key themes for the monarchy. The use of photos from official duties, like the state visit to Italy, also subtly reinforces their roles as working representatives of the nation. These carefully selected images become part of the historical record, documenting the Royal Family's year and sharing their festive spirit with well-wishers around the world.
