Criticism Surrounds Prince William and Kate’s Christmas Portrait

By Samantha Allen

Published: December 11, 2023 | 7:18 PM GMT

The Christmas Portrait:

The Prince and Princess of Wales recently unveiled their Christmas portrait, featuring the couple and their three children: Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte.

Captured by photographer Josh Shinner, the family is seen wearing white shirts, creating a striking monochrome aesthetic.

Public Criticism:

However, the festive image faced global criticism as fans expressed dissatisfaction on social media. Critics described the photo as ‘gloomy’ and lacking in festive cheer.

Some even suggested it resembled an awkward family photo taken at a shopping mall.

Editing Attempts and Photoshop Fails:

Amid the negative reactions, fans on X (formerly Twitter) attempted to enhance the photo by photoshopping Christmas trees into the background. Additionally, sharp-eyed observers noticed anomalies in the picture, including the absence of shoelaces on the children’s trainers and a puzzling extra leg next to Prince Louis.

Photoshop Fail Details:

Further scrutiny revealed a Photoshop fail in which Prince Louis appeared to be missing the middle finger on his left hand. This error, unnoticed by the Wales family and their supporters, sparked discussions on X as users questioned the missing finger and other anomalies in the image.

Royal Christmas Cards:

In contrast, the King and Queen opted for a more formal Christmas card, featuring a Coronation photograph taken at Buckingham Palace.

The image, captured by photographer Hugo Burnand, showcases Charles and Camilla in the palace throne room, donned in regal attire. This marks the couple’s second Christmas card since Charles ascended to the throne last year.

Historical Attire and Symbolism:

The formal portrait includes Charles wearing the Imperial State Crown and Camilla adorned with Queen Mary’s Crown. The couple is dressed in royal regalia, with Charles donning a coronation tunic and the robe of estate. The Queen wears her robe of estate and the coronation dress designed by Bruce Oldfield. The attire carries historical significance, adding a touch of tradition to the festive card.

Continuation of the Royal Legacy:

This Christmas card follows Charles’s first year as King, succeeding Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. The previous card featured a pre-ascension image of the King and Queen at the Braemar Games in Scotland. The new card continues the royal tradition, blending historical elements with a formal and regal aesthetic.

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.