Today Kensington Palace released a new photo of the Cambridges.
The news release says the photo is being used for Christmas cards the Duke and Duchess are sending out this year. The image was taken at Kensington Palace this summer by Getty Images photographer Chris Jackson. He shared it on his Instagram page today.
His thoughts about the couple using this photo:
Delighted that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen to use this family portrait I shot as their Christmas Card this year – Merry Christmas!
My guess is the picture was taken shortly before the family started its tour of Poland and Germany. The shirt George is wearing is the one seen in his official 4th birthday portrait (also taken by Chris Jackson). It is from Amaia Kids, one of the Spanish retailers Kate favors.
Most everyone immediately recognized what Kate wore in the photograph: the bespoke Catherine Walker suit first worn during her solo trip to the Netherlands in October 2016.
You can see Kate wore her Gianvito Rossi suede pumps in the ‘praline’ colorway. They are available in very limited sizes at Net-a-Porter ($675), and Madison Style has the shoe in small sizes in very limited quantities.
It’s hard to see exactly which pair of earrings Kate has on; if making a guess I would say a pair from her Kiki McDonough collection, perhaps the pink morganite drops.
Previous Christmastime photos include these 2014 shots of Prince George in his Cath Kidston vest.
In 2015 we saw a shot of the family in Kensington Gardens.
Last year the picture was from a September 2016 function, the children’s party held during the Canada Tour.
Just a quick heads-up: there has been chatter on social media about some/all of the new picture being photoshopped. While I don’t dismiss the merits of such a conversation, this isn’t the place to hold the discussion.
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The other news today from Kensington Palace: word that Charlotte will start at Willcocks Nursery School in January.
More from The Telegraph’s story:
Tatler, the society magazine, described the nursery school as a “hidden gem” that “flies under the radar”, claiming that it is attended by British children and “chic foreigners” alike, some of whom register their children at birth in order to ensure them a place.
Described by parents as “kind and gentle”, the school has an all-female staff and its stated ethos is “for high standards, excellence and good manners”.
Apparently, Charlotte won’t do half-days, but will take part in both morning and afternoon classes; the afternoon sessions meet just 3 days a week.
For all of the details on what Princess Charlotte and Prince George are wearing in the new picture, visit our sister site, What Kate’s Kids Wore.
We have a quick couple of retail roundup deals to share.
- Aquatalia has marked down the current version of the Rumbah to $188; it is offered in larger sizes. They are also offering some pretty deep discounts on other styles. (Maybe one of our readers will know the answer to this question: do they generally sell merchandise discounted this much, or is this an anomaly?)
- At Nordstrom the LK Bennett Agata in black is 40% off, making it $237. Also at Nordstrom, the Florete in Kate’s ‘trench’ colorway is 40% off, making it $194.98. A thank you to Kate’s Closet for the tip on the Florete!
- Kate’s Eloise tunic dress by Goat is back in stock, although the available sizes are rapidly dwindling.
I’m crossing my fingers that tomorrow I’ll be doing a post on the Cambridges attending the Queen’s annual Christmas party at Buckingham Palace!
A really beautiful and coordinated photo and everyone seems to have genuinely happy expressions! The photo seems full of fun and makes me wonder what is making everyone have such playful expressions!
For those people who are commenting that the picture is too formal or too staged, our royal family don’t have a tradition of posing by a Christmas tree or playing in the snow for similar photos , a quick google search will show this.
This may be a “formal” photo but I think their expressions reveal otherwise!
The Aquatalia website is also offering an additional 30% off if you use SEASON30 and if you sign up for an account with the website, they sent me a $50 of my first purchase of $150 or more. Didn’t realize I had it in my inbox until I made my purchase. Still happy. I purchased the boots for $131.60 and the original price was $750. The sale of the LK Bennett Floret shoe disappeared on me so I am not but I think it might be there website. I hope this helps someone else out.
So festive, warm and cozy. I love all the blue and standing with the white background and white floor. The perfect balance of negative space with cutting edge fashion trends.
Lovely family, but stiff and stilted photo.
And since this IS Whate Kate Wore, I must comment to say that while I really love this suit on Kate, it was an odd choice for a family photo portrait. She has countless pretty dresses that would look more relaxed and joyous.
If they were going for stiff, distant, and formal, plain vanilla, then they hit the right notes.
I don’t expect them to be sitting around a fire with mugs of hot cocoa; that’s not their public persona. But they do seem loving and engaged with their kids and this photo paints Kate as a stiff, distant mum, which I do not think she is at all. For that reason, I think the professional-looking suit and stiff pose were not suited for a holiday card, no matter how royal they are.
I guess they just pick a random photo from the year that they like for their holiday cards because they are never really festive and are usually taken in the summer or fall. This could not have been the best choice out of ALL the pictures that were probably taken throughout the year, and it particularly suffers when it was released around the same time as the Swedish royal family’s utterly charming (and seasonally appropriate) video and pictures. I wonder why they don’t do a holiday-type photo…several have suggested Kate’s pregnancy but as far as I can remember they have never done one.
Thank you for this reference, I hadn’t yet seen the Swedish video – does anyone know if there’s an effort to source Estelle’s adorable sweaterdress? I covet it for my niece…
Nevermind, found it! It’s Ralph Lauren. (and there’s an Instagram account @princess_estelle_attire, which is really what I needed!)
Stunning family, gorgeous suit – I didn’t recognize the Catherine Walker, it looks great! The photo is almost too flawless though, I’m disappointed as it looks more sterile than artistic. Fabulous idea to take the family photo before looking too pregnant, what a great tip!
Susan, I just received the Collector’s Edition 2018 What Kate Wore Calendar that I ordered, and I love it! All the photos of my favorite duchess are exquisite. The delivery of the calendar was super fast (I live in the USA.) I will always treasure this calendar.
Thank you very much.
I didnt realize at first that this was an older (as in we’ve seen it previously) outfit. Neat how simply changing your hairstyle can change up an outfits look. Anyway i like the photo! They all look really nice. Its hard to get a good pic with little ones anyway making sure everyone is looking and smiling. But i like it. My favorite family Christmas pic was the one they took outdoors where Charlotte had kicked her shoe off. Too cute.. look forward to seeing more royal holiday photos! Merry Christmas!! 🙂
Um, holy Photoshop fail! Our beautiful Kate appears to have lost an arm! Also, her hair is usually so perfect but it’s not so here.
Lovely family. Poor image, IMHO.
I have to say I really love this photo and it is probably because I was so disappointed with last years photo for Christmas cards, but now I’m really looking forward to getting mine this year! I understand some people not liking the fact that it is not a recent photo, but my thoughts are that Catherine & William either knew they were going to try for a baby in the Summer and Catherine wouldn’t want a family portrait while pregnant or this portrait was taken for the usually family reasons and they decided they liked it and wanted to use it. I’m not sure why people think her arm is photo shopped out….it’s probably around her Husband. Although, we went through this two years ago with Charlotte’s foot being “photo shopped” out or something. Would have liked to see George a bit more proper with leg down. Charlotte is so adorable. She’ll be a fun one to watch grow up…much like Prince Harry. I also just bought the Rumbah boots for $132 USD….as if I need another pair of boots, but it was such a bargain I couldn’t let it pass me by. Thank you for posting!
How do you get on the Cambridge’s Christmas Card list???
I agree with you Hilary, that it seems likely that Kate and William were planning the 3rd pregnancy and opted for a photo taken before. And given Kate’s miserable couple of months with severe morning sickness, she wouldn’t be wanting photos from that time! I also agree that Kate’s arm is behind William’s back–the same kind of gesture that we see him do with her–most recently at the Grenfell Tower Memorial Service. The Royal Family doesn’t do the sterotypical Christmas photos–they choose photos that are more general in nature even if they release them for the Christmas season. I think it’s a sweet photo–captures some of the personalties of the kiddies and Kate and William look happy.
It’s a lovely photo of all four of them–I think the Duchess looks happy and natural, as demonstrated in the detail of her face. And the kids are as cute as can be. However, I agree with other posters that it doesn’t look very celebratory. Whoever said it looked like a LinkedIn profile picture was spot on. It’s friendly, but safe and business-like–and I feel like that’s a kind of blah tone for a holiday card. I don’t expect snow or Santa hats–but my preference is for something more like the 2016 or 2015 choices. Less posed, in a setting that is not just a blank studio wall.
Safe and businesslike….yes, that’s how it looks to me as well.
My thoughts exactly! I first saw the picture in the paper and it was just the head and shoulders and it looked like they were cardboard cut outs. If it wasn’t for the children in the picture, you would think it was a marketing photo! I think its the blank background not doing them any favours.
Once again I am shocked at how many people here love this photo.
I think it is terrible, both in terms of the composition, etc., but also in terms of how cold and formal it is.
It literally looks like the generic holiday card I get from my local insurance company!
Would have been nice to see what George and Charlotte (who are always adorable) look like NOW, not six months ago.
NOTE: Quick admin edit
I agree and came here to post this. They all look well-turned out, but it’s so stiff and formal. I’d have liked to see something more candid and relaxed. And yes, maybe more recent.
I’m sorry to see Kate is the only one in the photo to look rather stilted, everyone else looks fine and natural, the children especially seem full of beans. I just love that one of George’s socks has fallen down — a must-have detail for all four-year-old boys.
It is a pleasure to see the Catherine Walker again, that suit is one of my firm favourites, the style, the fit, everything. It has contemporary and classic in a perfect mix.
It’s just unfortunate that Kate’s head looks almost photoshopped – perhaps something to do with the blank studio background. She looks almost as severe as in the Vogue cover shoot, and she appears to have lost her right arm…
I was also wondering about the missing arm. Either she has it across William’s back, or some wonky editing or photoshopping has taken place. It does look awkward.
I actually think her whole body was photoshopped in 🙁
me too!!
She does look photoshopped, and that’s why I dislike official portraits. They’re always embelished in some way, which, quite honestly is rather insulting, especially when the subject is as beautiful as Kate.
Looks like we’re going to be doing a lot of guessing on this one!
I love this picture of the Duchess. Her hair down looks lovely, the shoes are a perfect fit with this suit; the colors are lovely together. The first time she wore this suit, I actually didn’t like it, it looked like it wore her instead of her wearing it, maybe that had to do with it was wrinkled, but it look small and uncomfortable. But another day another dollar and this time around it’s a hit. The color choices for this photo are outstanding and I love the light blue for Christmas.
*It should be a lesson to us all that when going to be pregnant in December take a family photo long before Christmas, because I doubt there are many of us who feel ultra beautiful packing around maternity weigh. I love her fore thought. 🙂
I’m replying not just to you, Ashlee, but to others who commented on the notion that using a picture prior to pregnancy is a “smart” thing to do.
Since everyone is celebrating her pregnancy, and it’s not 150 years ago, I think a photo showing her pregnant would be appropriate and charming, and far more interesting/accurate than this sterile portrait.
I realize that she doesn’t exactly feel her best due to HG, but some delicate photoshopping, a tweak or two on a tired or drawn face, would have been fine.
I guess I don’t understand what I sometimes perceive as rather sexist — mumsy, matronly, granny — and now pregnancy comments. We should be celebrating women while we discuss Kate’s fashion. By that I don’t mean not criticizing her choices, but the often pejorative words used to describe her appearance disturb me. I had hoped we were beyond such negative stereotypes.
Gorgeous! The suit looks so much better without all the wrinkles from the trip. BUT I do wish it was more informal – the Crown Princess Couple of Sweden released their Christmas card and it was so natural and sweet. Imo this looks like a postcard to send when replying a letter, instead of a Christmas picture. BTW during this day the pic released along Kate’s Place2Be letter was also taken
But for the Royals, this is a postcard they send to the hundreds of folks that send them a letter.
Everyone always talks about how William and Kate are avoiding being royal, and then they complain that this picture isn’t casual enough. Make up your mind. Here they are looking like royals instead of a family hanging out in their back yard.
What a lovely picture. I love Catherine in this suit, and I definitely think that it looks better with her hair worn down, than the more formal up-do seen in the Netherlands.
She is really really beautiful without the heavy under eye line. She looks heavenly so naturally !!!
I must be blind or blinded by her great hair but I never noticed how green Kate’s eyes are. Very pretty
I thought the same thing!
This is a beautiful colour coordinated photo of a beautiful family. My only quibble is that it doesn’t look at all Christmassy. But then the 2015 and 2016 photos didn’t either. It would have been such fun to see everyone in Santa hats, or even just wearing red. A Christmas tree could have been photoshopped into the background. But then again, this is the Royal Family and obviously fun Christmas photos are not how they do things.
Lovely to see this suit pressed and neat – it did not travel well. A beautiful photo!
Wow, they really look great. What a good-looking family! Kate look so elegant, and they look like such happy parents. They’re all so proper!
Nice short post!
Aquatalia has an extra 30% off sale and the boots qualify for free next day shipping! Best deal ever.
THANK YOU for posting this, because I had no idea. I could get the boots for $133! That is insanely cheap!
May be a duplicate post. I am not a fan of this photo.
I’m with you. To say I’m not a fan is an understatement. It is terrible!
Nice photo for press handout, as it appears very business like.
I will say, I miss Kate’s long hair when I compare it to any of her shorter looks.
This is a beautiful picture of the Cambridge family and one of their most formal so far. However, I believe there was actually 3 photos released by Kensington Palace from this photo shoot with Chis Jackson. Susan, you posted a letter a letter the Duchess if Cambridge wrote about mental health and Place2Be on your November 8 post, when she visited the annual Place2Be conference and wore the burgundy Eloise Goat dress. The letter included a picture of the Duchess and she can be seen wearing the same Catherine Walker outfit and hair style as today’s Christmas photo. In addition, the photo was shot with the same backdrop, lighting, and style as Prince George’s 4th Birthday photo.
Aquatalia has had 30% off many things for the month of December, and each day has been offering 75% off 1-2 items. Though often it seems in limited sizes. I recently splurged and bought the Dahlia- similar to the Rhumbah bit a shorter heel, and they are beautiful and incredibly comfortable!
Thank you for the tip, Theresa! I will update the page and post! 🙂
Thanks for the tip! I got the boots and they’re coming tomorrow. The internet said to order up a half size so fingers crossed! With that deal they’re like 83% off so this goes in the copyKate Hall of Fame, will report on comfort and quality!
Boots are GORGEOUS–half a size up was probably plenty with tights or socks on underneath. Also they are INSANELY comfy for a three-inch non-wedge heel….or for any shoe frankly! Strongly encourage my fellow WKWers to take advantage of this deal if they can manage this time of year 🙂
I think Kate is probably wearing the light blue Kiki McDonough earrings and the pink you think you see is perhaps a reflection of her hair on the light blue stone. Just a thought. But they all look fabulous! Beautiful picture, beautiful family!
The kids are of course adorable, but that’s the only good thing I have to say about this picture! It looks like a photo from a catalogue or a stock photo. Is from the summer? It’s too bad they couldn’t put together a more recent picture.
Adore the suit. One I would buy and love and it fits her perfectly. Love that George’s socks are at different heights and that he has one leg up. Charlotte is beyond adorable. Perfect photo of the fab four soon to be five!
I too love the George in motion with socks askew in the photo. Charlotte is very ,very cute. As always, the color coordination of the family outfits….is charming and beautful to see.
oos meant to type beautiful.
I love this outfit choice and that family picture is absolutely adorable! I verified with the Aquatalia site and the deep discount (for the Rumbha) is part of their Holiday specials for the month of December. I am awaiting their reply on if it’s part of their “one item on deep discount per day” or for the whole month of December. Also to note, if you apply their “Holiday30” or “Seasons30” discount to your purchase, the total is $131.60 + plus free shipping. This is a deeper discount than using the $50 for first time buyers e-mail registration. Happy Christmas to us all! 🙂
Thank you for the input, Nicola! I will update the page and post! 🙂
In case any USA buyers are interested, Orvis.com, a seller of Barbour in the US, has a few Barbour items (very few) at big discounts.
A quilted jacket called the Rae Loch(?) is $149. There’s a vest and a girls’ jacket, all in limited sizes and colors, but good deals. Possibly some mens’ as well. https://m.orvis.com/subject/womens-clothing
Thank you for commenting, Gwen. In my mind, they are the best retailer in the States for Barbour. 🙂
Well, they all do clean up very nicely, but I must admit to preferring the more natural outdoor shots. This looks like the royals’ equivalent of professional headshots for LinkedIn!
I think the backdrop is the problem. Even a photo studio backdrop would have been better, or a photo inside their home. It reminds me of the drab background for the Queen and Prince Philip’s 70th anniv photo.
Absolutely gorgeous photo! What a lovely family. Very nice.
I can’t help but notice, however, that Catherine’s right arm has been photoshopped out….
Love the subjects in the photo, but not a huge fan of the photo itself. Does anyone else think Kate looks washed out? My first thought was “I wonder if Kate was in the beginnings of HG when this was taken?” I think it’s a trick of the photo, it may just be over exposed, or maybe Kate isn’t wearing as much makeup as normal? I don’t mean anything negative, (I promise!), I love the rest of the photo (that hair looks so great – so natural!), but I just wonder if the photo was overexposed.
I digress.
Love the suits (on both the Duke and Duchess – the Duke’s tailoring keeps getting better and better!), and the kids look amazing, as always!
I like this suit a lot, even though I still maintain that Kate looks better in more vivid colors. I am glad Charlotte is mostly covering up her feet because I don’t feel the praline shoes go with this suit at all. Not all browns are neutrals, particularly when this is more of a gray-ish tinge to this suit. Navy probably would have been better, particularly given the fact that everyone is wearing shades of blue.
I love this outfit and it is a gorgeous portrait. However I do wish they had chosen a less formal photo for their card. The Swedish royal family has a beautiful shot with the 2 children out in the snow, and it is perfect for a holiday card. I wish William and Kate’s card was less “stuffy.” Feel free to edit this if needed. No offense taken!
Too stiff, too formal, lifeless.
While I usually admire their color coordinated outfits, these look washed out together.
Separately I like all the outfits.
Together with the pose and the blah background the photo leaves me cold.
It might also be nice for change to have Kate with George and Charlotte with William.
Too much matching gender, as well.
I love this Catherine Walker suit! Also, the family photo from 2015 is just so wonderful! 🙂
IMO this picture was taken the same day as their trip to Poland, but Kate is in a completely different outfit to that day. I wonder if she was photoshopped in later. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
The same day as they are on the tarmac, I thought so too! Everyone is in the same outfit except Kate and she had short hair at that point so I’m not sure.
George was wearing lace-up shoes when he arrived in Germany and here he is in slip-on loafers. So not necessarily taken on the same day as they set out on tour.
The picture was taken at the same time as George’s official 4th birthday picture
Kate looks amazing I love that she repeated the Catherine Walker suit it is one of my favourites I think that it looks better with her hair down.
I adore this photo and love her in the suit! Her hair looks fabulous too.
I love the close-up of the Duchess. She looks stunning. They look like a happy little family, which is so sweet.