Kate Middleton & Prince William Follow a Tradition Set by Princess Diana in Their New Family Christmas Card
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year — royal Christmas card season! Kate Middleton and Prince William just released their official 2023 holiday photo, and it reminds us so much of a tradition set by the late Princess Diana.
“Our family Christmas card for 2023 🎄❤️ 📸 @joshshinner,” the Prince and Princess of Wales shared on Instagram Saturday. The black-and-white photo shows Prince William, Princess Kate, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. The whole family is in matching white button-down shirts, with Prince William and Prince George in black slacks, Middleton and Princess Charlotte in jeans, and Prince Louis in black shorts.
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![UNSPECIFIED - DECEMBER 9: NEWS EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO SALES. NO USE AFTER 31ST JANUARY 2024 WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION FROM BUCKINGHAM PALACE Copyright in the photograph is vested in The Prince and Princess of Wales. Publications are asked to credit the photograph to Josh Shinner. The photograph is being made available by way of license on condition that: a) The photograph shall be solely used for news editorial purposes only. It shall not be approved for souvenirs, or memorabilia; or anything colourably similar. b) No charge should be made for the supply, release or publication of the photograph. c) There shall be no commercial use whatsoever of the photograph (including by way of example only) any use in merchandising, advertising or any other non[1]news editorial use. d) The photograph must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated or modified in any manner or form and must include all of the individuals in the photograph when published. e) The photograph shall not be used after 31st December 2024 without prior permission from Kensington Palace. Any questions relating to the use of the photograph should be first referred to Kensington Palace and before publication. *** In this undated handout provided by Kensington Palace, and taken by the photographer Josh Shinner earlier this year in Windsor, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales pose with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. (Photo by Josh Shinner/Kensington Palace via Getty Images)](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bBCtIyC14Mug_lbr46sB.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyODA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/sheknows_79/92a49b40cabf4195292e2a15ad3b5a43)
The kids look so grown up in this shot, which was taken sometime earlier this year in Windsor. Princess Charlotte sits regally on a chair in the middle, smiling with her long blonde hair parted down the middle, and Prince George stands almost as tall as his mom, looking cool with his hand in the pocket and a slight smirk on his face. Even Prince Louis looks more mature, smiling next to his dad.
But the thing that was most striking about the photo? It reminds us of a throwback photo taken of Princess Di when her kids Prince William and Prince Harry were little. She had many black-and-white portraits taken by her by the late Patrick Demarchelier, but one in particular showed her sitting in on the floor with Prince Harry in her lap. Prince William stands up to take their photo, and all three are dressed in white button-down shirts and jeans — just like the Waleses did decades later. (The picture we’re talking about can be seen HERE.) It’s such a touching nod to her, it’s making us emotional!
Many other people noticed the connection as well. “Such a great photo! ❤️ It reminds me of those black and white shots of Princess Diana with William and Harry,” one person commented. Another responded, “❤️ omg she would be so proud of her 5 grandchildren for sure ❤️,” referring to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s kids Prince Archie, 4, and Princess Lilibet, 2. We can’t help but agree!
Others noticed how grown-up the kids looked. “Prince George is going to break hearts as he grows older!” one person said of the future monarch.
“Charlotte is gorgeous and looks like a young Queen Elizabeth,” someone else wrote.
“Stop!! The babies are so grown up 🥺🫶🏻,” another person commented.
On Friday, the kids also showed how much they’ve grown in an appearance at the “Together At Christmas” Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. They looked adorable, dropping off letters to Santa, holding candles, and enjoying the service.
There’s nothing like another year coming to an end to remind us of how much kids have grown!
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