Royal fans have rushed to the Wales' defence this week, after Prince William and Kate Middleton were slammed for their 'lazy' Christmas card release.
For those who missed it, the couple shared a message of merriment earlier today (18 December), with a card that included a photos of them posing alongside their three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
The sweet snap, released on Kensington Palace's social media, shows the family sat in a field adorned with yellow and white flowers, with 10-year-old Charlotte seen resting her head on her father's shoulder and holding onto his arm.
Louis, meanwhile appears super chilled-out, with the seven-year-old seen leaning back and sitting between William’s legs. Kate is also shown wrapping her arms around her eldest son George, 12.
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"Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas," the message inside read.
However, the couple, who have released a joint Christmas card every year since their 2011 wedding, have been subjected to widespread criticism over the family photo.
Firstly, some trolls pointed out that the image was captured several months before the holiday season kick-started. In fact, some tracked out the photographer, Josh Shinner, finding that he lead the shoot back in April, in Norfolk.
"Very lovely - but not very seasonal is it? The children change so much, so fast, it would be lovely to have a more recent picture IMHO," one Reddit user hit out, while another demanded: "Where is the Christmas?"
For the same reason, other users took issue with the inclusion of daffodils in the background of the snap, referring to their inclusion as a dead giveaway that the original shoot was far from festive in nature.
Despite this, several social media users have spoken out in their defence, claiming they've seen countless Christmas cards bearing photos captured several months earlier.
One user pointed out: "Lots of families send out family Christmas cards with pictures that are taken in the summer, fall, on family trips, etc. I don’t get the criticism."
Another added of the family: "They have a history of using photos from one shoot for multiple occasions. This one is from George’s and Louis’s birthday photos this year.
"The other year, with jeans walking on a path, was from Father’s Day or something. Or it was from something else and used for Father’s Day. They all blend together."
A third advised: "If you get a great Family shot you use it. My Christmas cards often had beach pics."
Of the addition of the flower, another Reddit user suggested: "I assume it's because they're the national flower of Wales."
Others were thrilled by this year's seasonal release, gushing of the Wales' on X: "How sweet! They look wonderful."
"Stunning 2025 Christmas card!" a sixth continued. "The ales family looks so joyful and close-knit among the daffodils."
Topics: Christmas, Kate Middleton, Prince William, Royal Family, UK News, Social Media
Rhianna Benson