William and Kate release Christmas card showing beaming George, Charlotte and Louis

It is a lovely picture of a happy young family confidently walking into the future.

The annual Prince and Princess of Wales Christmas card would, of course, have been chosen several months ago and follows a family theme, with the couple offering the public a glimpse of their rapidly growing trio of children, in thanks for the support provided. to receive.

But what a contrast to the picture painted in recent days by Harry and Meghan of a dynasty hampered by the heavy weight of expectation and tradition, and where men marry not for love, but to ‘fit the mold’.

And its irony is not lost on anyone, ahead of the Sussexes’ Netflix documentary part two tomorrow, in which they are set to make a series of accusations against the Royal Family.

What a contrast to the picture painted in recent days by Harry and Meghan (pictured) of a dynasty hampered by the heavy weight of expectations and tradition, and where men marry not for love, but to “fit into the world.” mold”.

It also serves as a reminder that Harry and Meghan’s claims that they would have been forced to “offer up” their own children for intrusive public consumption had they chosen to remain in the UK are as dubious as some of the images that appear. in your bomb. docuseries’.

The photo of the Wales, taken privately at the royal’s Sandringham Estate estate in Norfolk earlier this year, was taken by one of their favorite and trusted photographers, Matt Porteous.

It will appear on the front of hundreds of Christmas cards sent to family, friends, charities and organizations with which William and Kate are associated.

The only other official images that are typically released each year are one on each of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis’ birthdays, again as a way of thanking the public. They are almost always taken by Kate, a keen amateur photographer.

An additional photo shoot was made this year as the three boys started their new school in Berkshire together, as part of a major move to the country for the family, but otherwise their official appearances are a rarity, rather than a given. regular.

They typically go about their daily activities unmolested by photographers or the media, who respect their privacy off-duty and the children’s right to go to school out of the spotlight.

The image shows the family holding hands on a country walk in the summer sunshine. William, dressed casually in jeans, sneakers and an open-necked shirt, holds the hand of his eldest son, nine-year-old George. George, like his little brother, four-year-old Louis, wears shorts, polo shirts and sneakers.

Cheeky Louis, the breakout star of his great-grandmother’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, has the same slightly mischievous smile and tousled dark hair.

Among them is seven-year-old Princess Charlotte, rocking an adorable blue jean jumpsuit embroidered with strawberries and red pom-poms and a pair of blue slip-on canvas shoes.

King Carlos III launched his first Christmas card since he ascended the throne on Sunday; The card features a photo of the King and Queen Consort photographed on 3 September, five days before the Queen’s death, at the Braemar Royal Highland Gathering.

The Princess of Wales looks casual and smart in ankle-length jeans and one of her favorite white broderie anglaise shirts.

Posting the image yesterday, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “The Prince and Princess of Wales are delighted to share a new photograph of their family.”

Tomorrow, the princess will join the rest of the Royal Family, led by the King and Queen, for their Together at Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey in London in a show of unity as Harry and Meghan unleash their final salvo.

This week’s trailer suggests the couple will blame Buckingham Palace for ‘institutional gaslighting’ and see Harry accuse the Establishment of lying to protect his brother at their expense.

It comes after the King launched his first Christmas card as monarch on Sunday, choosing a photograph taken of him and the Queen Consort at a Highland Gathering just days before the Queen’s death.

The Palace released the image, taken by award-winning photographer Sam Hussein, selected for the historic season card.

The photograph shows Charles, 74, and Camilla, 75, smiling at the Braemar Royal Highland Gathering on September 3, five days before the queen died on September 8.

The Palace released the image selected for the couple’s first historic Christmas card and said it was taken by award-winning photographer Sam Hussein.

Captures the King in side profile, dressed in a tweed suit and red, green and beige tie.

Meanwhile, Camilla is seen wearing a green suit and matching hat with a pheasant motif and pearl earrings.

During the event, Charles officially unveiled a new structure to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as he joined spectators at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park for the annual Highland Games event. The Queen was not present due to her failing health.

Charles cut a briar rope to mark the opening of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee Arch.

Crowds from around the world joined him and the then Duchess of Cornwall to watch competitors take part in events such as the caber throw, hammer throw and tug of war, as well as celebrate some of the old Scottish traditions, dance and music.

Camilla and the Princess Royal were presented with heather corsages by Chloe Guy, 10, and Cassie Stewart, 12, both members of the Braemar Royal Highland Society dance class, before the Games began.

Camilla appeared to take a bunch of flowers and put it in her buttonhole, which can be seen in the photograph on the Christmas card.

This year’s cards have been a stark contrast to last year, which saw Covid lockdowns and tough travel restrictions.

Prince William and Kate opted for a family vacation photo, while Charles winked at the pandemic in a regular image.

A family vacation in the desert with dad in shorts, the youngsters in summer gear and mom showing off her tanned glow was the subject of last year’s greeting from the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who treated fans to a family portrait. Taken on a secret trip to Jordan in early 2021.

Prince William and Kate opted for a family vacation photo for last year’s Christmas card (pictured)

Supportive husband! King Charles chose a somewhat unusual image for his Christmas card last year, featuring him and the now queen consort at Royal Ascot. The image shows Charles helping his wife with his mask, in a nod to the Covid pandemic.

The Cambridges appeared with their three children in the family snapshot. Kate looked resplendent in a khaki gown, while Princess Charlotte perched on a stool in a gingham gown by Mango. Prince George smiled as he posed in a £14.95 camouflage T-shirt from GAP and gray shorts.

Meanwhile, Prince Louis was seen sitting cross-legged in the front wearing a £32 striped polo shirt by Rachel Riley, a larger version of the top worn by the brand’s Prince George during an official visit. to Taronga Zoo in Sydney when he was nine years old. months old, as well as Hampton Canvas slip-ons, which have been worn by both his older brother and his sister.

Charles posted an image of himself fixing the Duchess of Cornwall’s face mask at the races for her 2021 festive offering.

The photo, taken on the second day of Royal Ascot in June last year, showed him helping Camilla adjust her mask next to the race track.

The snap seemed especially appropriate at the time, which saw restrictions requiring people in England to wear masks on public transport, shops and indoor public spaces like post offices, theaters and hairdressers.

But it also portrayed Charles as a loving husband to Camilla, whom he married in April 2005 after a decades-long love affair.