Princess Kate and Prince William's Christmas card 'sent clear message' with 'deliberate move'

Photographer Josh Shinner shot the image showing William and Kate, both 43, seated on grass surrounded by spring daffodils alongside their three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven.

Rather than traditional festive attire, the family opted for coordinated country clothing in earthy shades.

William, Charlotte and Louis wore matching green knitwear, whilst George sported a brown gilet and Kate dressed in casual countryside wear.

The photograph was shared on Kensington Palace's social media channels with the message: "Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas."

Fashion commentators have suggested the seemingly casual image carried deeper significance.

Celebrity stylist Oriona Robb described the photograph as "a masterclass in quiet cohesion," noting that the couple had selected "an earthy, muted palette that mirrors the children's knits and layers, creating a sense of visual harmony without slipping into anything contrived."

She explained that the natural tones and textures represent "a deliberate move away from high-polish formality in favour of warmth, approachability and authenticity."

Ms Robb highlighted how the family achieved "unity without uniformity," with each member maintaining their individual style whilst being connected through shared colours.

She told the Mail: "This is modern royal dressing at its most effective: relaxed and very emotionally intelligent.

"It suggests stability and togetherness without saying a word; it is fashion used as quiet messaging."

Fellow stylist Lisa Talbot echoed these observations, stating that the coordinated colour scheme produces "visual harmony and a sense of calm."

She stated: "It subtly reinforces togetherness, stability and reassurance, all without feeling staged or overly formal.

"It suggests confidence in who they are as a family right now and sends a clear message of solidarity."

She emphasised that the approach prioritises storytelling over fashion statements, "using clothes to quietly communicate connection, unity and strength."

The photograph originated from the same session that produced portraits for George's birthday in July and Louis' birthday in April, with a Father's Day image of William and the children also drawn from this collection.

Its release came two days after the Waleses attended the King's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace.

Kate hosted her annual Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 5, welcoming 1,600 guests to the venue where she and William married in 2011. The family is expected to spend Christmas Day at Sandringham with the King and Queen.

The festive gathering follows what William described as a "brutal" 2024, with the move to their new Windsor home representing a fresh chapter after Kate's cancer recovery, announced earlier this year.