The Prince and Princess of Wales have changed up their Christmas cards in recent years. Each card illustrates their family’s growth and progress. Each card tells a story, showcasing the couple’s artistic sensibility and their children’s evolving personalities. From playful snapshots to fashionable, artistic portraits, these cards offer an intimate look at the new royal family.
In 2018, Prince William and Princess Kate released a lovely, informal family portrait that perfectly illustrated the spirit of their children. That frame captured all of George’s understated poise, Charlotte’s confidence and Louis’ little joker smirk. This card in particular really showcased their family’s development and the glow that radiates from their off-stage, public image.
A Shift in Style
Surprisingly on Christmas Day of 2023, the royal couple went even further with their annual Christmas greeting. For their cover, they chose a beautiful black and white city portrait shot by leading fashion photographer Josh Shinner. This decision was a step away from years past, displaying a deeper, more refined, and less cluttered approach. Printing in only monochrome tones contributed to the card’s artsy coolness. It’s just so in tune with Kate Middleton’s creative sensibilities, which are based in her art history and photography education.
Given that it was released just months after Queen Elizabeth II’s death, the 2022 Christmas card was especially poignant. It represented an unusual show of unity during a time of historic upheaval for the royal family itself. This photo cemented the emerging image of Prince William and Princess Kate as equal partners. They demonstrated the hard-working and endearing spirit that made their children’s lively presence feel like a breath of fresh air. This card solidified their long-held commitment to upholding family values in the face of transitional danger.
Reflecting Personal Journeys
As with previous cards, we used these to help tell the story of the family’s development. The inaugural card back in 2011 featured William and Kate as newlyweds on their tour of Canada. Kate looked radiant in her beautiful white gown and eye-catching red hat. By 2013, their growing family became evident as a photo captured little George on Kate’s lap, arms outstretched in a moment of joy.
It makes our upcoming 2024 Christmas card that much more meaningful! It includes a moving image from a creative film capture by Will Warr. In this animated video, Kate Middleton draws on the resilience of her family as she undergoes chemotherapy. This entire scene unfolds on a breathtaking summer day in Norfolk. In fact, the card’s message, “Out of darkness can come light,” strikes a similar chord with the themes of resilience and hope that run throughout this year’s art.
Over the past decade, Prince William and Princess Kate have designed Christmas cards that exemplify coziness and approachability. Unlike earlier generations of royals, their cards steer clear of formality and stilted portraiture. Rather, they focus on moments that are “lived-in and real,” similar to a beloved family photo collection.
