Prince William and Kate Middleton's photographer speaks out after Christmas card mysteriously deleted within minutes

The photographer responsible for capturing the Prince and Princess of Wales' 2024 Christmas card has spoken out, after the online release was controversially 'deleted' just minutes later.

Taking to Instagram today, artist Will Warr released a brief statement on the matter.

Prince William and Kate Middleton released their festive snap yesterday (19 December) via Kensington Palace's official Twitter (now X) account, shared in the form of a GIF.

In the foreground of a computer-generated image of a card, snow could be seen falling, with the couple captioning the photo: "Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year."

The card itself features an image of Prince William and Kate Middleton alongside their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Viewers quickly made the connection between the family photo and a video released by Kate back in September - where she announced the conclusion of chemotherapy - with the family seemingly wearing the same outfits.

The 43-year-old began treatment earlier this year after a March cancer diagnosis - though she hasn't yet disclosed the variation of the disease.

The premature release (not being on the usual date of the 25th), the GIF-like format and the fact that an 'old photo' was used, meant that the Wales' release was taken to be rather controversial.

Many believed that it was the backlash the couple had received - which we'll get into later - had prompted them to quickly 'delete' the photo.

Thankfully, a couple of minutes later, the card was re-uploaded.

Now, photographer Will Warr has discussed the card, having captured the shot at the family's country estate, Anmer Hall, Norfolk, earlier this year.

Taking to Instagram to re-share the card, he also shared his thoughts, posting: "An honour to capture this year’s Christmas card for the Prince and Princess of Wales."

As we say, however, this hasn't stopped tongues wagging about the intent in sending the card in the way they have.

The Wales - who upload their annual release on Christmas Day each year - instead shared their just two days after William's brother and sister-in-law, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, released their own card.

The Sussexes' Christmas gesture also came under criticism for several reasons, with one being over its collage-like layout, with royal commentator Grant Harrold slammed as breaking royal protocol.

Naturally, therefore, when the Wales' also seemed to break tradition in their formatting, and photo choice, they were subjected to similar criticism.

Ahead of William and Kate's upload: "A traditional royal Christmas card we’ve seen from the King or the Princess of Wales is normally just a photograph.

"Since I’ve been working with the Royal family, it’s always been quite simple with one photograph. Harry and Meghan’s card this year is very different. It’s more of a montage.

"[This] isn’t the correct thing to do. It’s not very Royal."

We can only imagine what he thinks of the Wales' GIF, now...