On December 5, 2025, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, along with his children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—and his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, attended the ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service held at Westminster Abbey. What started as a simple idea has quickly grown into this new annual tradition and has brought alternating celebration and reflection to what is traditionally a festive season.
The royal family played an active role in the service this year and released a cheerful and bright Christmas message. They released a new family photo with their three young children. Photographer Josh Shinner got a candid, beautiful glimpse into life with the Wales family last April. The image wonderfully captures their delight and peace. This intimate image showing Prince William and Catherine seated in a colorful field of bluebells was a Last Great Picture. Their kids are sitting next to them, everyone in relaxed casualness in denim and t-shirts.
The fact is that Prince George is now 12 years old. He is beaming with pride as he poses with his younger siblings, 10-year-old Princess Charlotte and 7-year-old Prince Louis. The casual dress seen in the image reflects a familial atmosphere that emphasizes warmth and leisure. This comfy casual style is a jarring change from the formal events typically associated with a royal engagement.
Though some traditions have changed, one that remains is the Wales family’s celebration of Christmas at Sandringham, the king’s estate in Norfolk, England. On Christmas Day, they largely start their festivities by attending church services. There, they line up by the thousands to watch their king give his annual televised Christmas message. After this, they partake in Christmas lunch with the royal family at Sandringham.
Originally the whole family would participate in their exchange on Christmas Eve, following a practice based in German-American culture. With this practice, they’re bringing the personal touch to their holiday celebrations. The day after Christmas, the U.K. marks Boxing Day with a traditional pheasant shoot on the Sandringham grounds. This ceremony has long been a favorite annual custom of the royal family.
In the evening on Christmas Day, the Wales family gathers again for a buffet dinner, further emphasizing their close-knit family values during this festive time. They provided hope and comfort by completely owning social media. They warmly shared the greeting of their international followers, wishing everyone a “Happy Christmas.”
