Prince William and Kate Middleton’s 2023 family Christmas card.Photo:Josh Shinner/Kensington Palace/PA Wire
Josh Shinner/Kensington Palace/PA Wire
Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamare sending a message this holiday season — and it’s as plain as black and white.
For their2023 family Christmas card photo, the Prince and Princess of Wales went with a monochrome look, with the family of five, includingPrince George, 10,Princess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5, matching in white button-down shirts and jeans.
With no festive background or ornate setting, the photo doesn’t scream Christmas — or royalty. They left the pomp toKing Charles, 75, andQueen Camilla, 76, whoseChristmas card photo this yearis a regal shot taken in the Throne Room of Buckingham Palace following their coronation in May.
But the Wales’ setting is a backdrop that could easily be found in any portrait studio in any city, in any country. As one fan cheekily commented on social media, “It’s giving JC Penny. They’re just like us!!!!”
And that’s just the message William and Kate, both 41, want to send as they strive to create a childhood experience that’s as normal as possible for their three children.
“Those children look pretty happy with life,” apalace insider told PEOPLEearlier this year. “A lot of it is the stabilizing normality Kate brings — and that’s how she grew up. William absolutely loves it.”
“Coming from a different background, she appreciates the importance of having family time,” said a source close to the royal household. “She wasn’t brought up in that aristocratic setting where you see the children for a short time each day.”
That sense of normalcy was evident to photographer Josh Shinner, who snapped the photo earlier this year in Windsor, where the family have made their new home.
“It was such a pleasure to photograph The Prince and Princess of Wales and their family for the Christmas portrait this year,” photographerJosh Shinner shared on his Instagram. “Without doubt one of the most relaxed and enjoyable sittings I’ve ever had, and I now have a whole new set of jokes that are right on my level thanks to the children…”
William and Kate have struck a delicate balance when it comes to what they share with the public as well. They carefully control what’s released about their children. And while theyshare family photosthroughout the year on special occasions andreveal personal family anecdotesfrom time to time on royal outings, they are doing their best to raise their kids out of the spotlight when possible.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at Kate Middleton’s Christmas carol concert on Dec. 8.Chris Jackson/Getty
Chris Jackson/Getty
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“Royal families over the generations haven’t had the chance to get those foundations right, but they have,” said a friend.
source: people.com
