Kate Middleton and Prince William’s royal photographer reveals behind-the-scenes details of ‘relaxed and enjoyable’ Christmas card shoot

The photographer behind the Prince and Princess of Wales' Christmas portrait has revealed behind-the-scenes details of the shoot – which was 'relaxed and enjoyable'.

Last week, Prince William and Kate, both 41, released an informal family photo with their children Prince George, ten, Prince Louis, five, and Princess Charlotte, eight, in matching white shirts which will feature on the front of their festive card this week . year.

Photographer Josh Shinner has now shared an insight into the day of the photo shoot, revealing that he learned some brand new jokes from the royal children.

On Instagram, he also shared a sketch of the family that he made while trying to figure out which poses would best suit the composition.

Describing the atmosphere of the day, he wrote: 'It was a pleasure to photograph the Prince and Princess of Wales and their family for this year's Christmas portrait.

'Without a doubt one of the most relaxed and enjoyable gatherings I've ever had, and thanks to the kids I now have a whole new range of jokes that are right on my level…

'A big thank you to @princeandprincessofwales for having me.'

However, when asked what the jokes were, Josh remained tight-lipped and refused to reveal any details about the banter he shared with the young royals.

“Keeping that to myself, I'm afraid!” he wrote in response to a curious commenter who asked what the “funniest” joke was.

In another post about the sketched composition, the photographer wrote: 'I stopped drawing faces a long time ago, and I felt like trying to draw the @prinsandprincessofwales was something that could only end in a dismal failure, but this was the starting point for the final composition…'

Many rushed to the comments to congratulate Josh on his great work with the royal family.

One person said: 'Congratulations on this great opportunity!'

Another said: 'What a beautiful portrait – many congratulations Josh.'

Photographer Josh Shinner has now given an insight into the day of the photo shoot, revealing that he learned some brand new jokes from the royal children

On Instagram, he also shared a sketch of the family that he drew while trying to figure out which poses would best suit the composition.

The photographer wrote: 'I stopped drawing faces a long time ago'

While a third wrote: 'Thank you sir for sharing this beautiful photo of the Prince and Princess of Wales with their lovely children.'

The monochrome image shows the royal couple smiling next to their sons Prince George, ten, Prince Louis, five, and Princess Charlotte, eight, who sits in a chair at the front of the group, with Louis' hand on his arm.

The image shows the family in matching plain shirts – George is wearing a Ralph Lauren Polo number – with William and the boys in dark trousers. Kate and Charlotte opted for denim jeans.

Previews of the cards that will be given to friends, family and staff of the Prince and Princess of Wales were released on Saturday evening – and spoke to the family's love of understated, informal photos to accompany their festive greetings.

And while the proud parents and eldest son George have opted for dark, formal-looking shoes, Louis and Charlotte are equipped with matching sneakers.

The Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, The Princess of Wales at the Royal Carols – Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey

Many rushed to the comments to congratulate Josh on his great work with the royal family

William, Kate and their children were photographed in Windsor earlier this year by photographer Josh, who has taken portraits of famous faces including Florence Pugh, Jodie Comer and Sam Smith.

Kensington Palace said of the photo's release: “The Prince and Princess of Wales are very pleased to share a new photo of their family.”

This year's card, while informal, shows more restraint than some of their previously released seasonal greetings.

William and Kate's first card as Prince and Princess of Wales was a relaxed affair – showed the couple with George, Charlotte and Louis, all in trainers, taking a stroll through Sandringham Estate, Norfolk.

Previous cards issued during their tenure as Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have also been relaxed and often colorful affairs, such as their 2018 card of them sitting on a tree trunk at Anmer Hall in Norfolk.

William and Kate's first card as Prince and Princess of Wales was a relaxed affair – showed the couple with George, Charlotte and Louis, all in trainers, taking a stroll through Sandringham Estate, Norfolk

Kensington Palace said of the photo's release: 'The Prince and Princess of Wales are very pleased to share a new photo of their family'

However, this year's card also featured a mystery that puzzled eagle-eyed observers after they focused on the left hand of Prince Louis, five, and noticed that his middle finger appeared to be missing.

Of course, it looks like he's just spreading his fingers wide. But upon closer inspection, some also wondered what happened to William's left leg.

He appears to have adopted a wide stance, but only his right leg is visible. Similarly, only one of Kate's feet is visible behind the chair where Princess Charlotte, eight, sits.

Many speculated that the image had been poorly edited or photoshopped, with one social media user writing: 'Although it's a lovely family photo, I noticed Louis' hand as soon as I looked at it. He's missing a finger.'

Another wrote: 'Consider the angle of his (Williams) supposed right leg. His left leg should be visible in the seat opening unless he's trying to do a split?'

But fear not. All is well with Louis' 'missing' finger, and all of the Waleses' limbs have been mapped.

A royal source told the Mail: 'It's not photoshopped. It looks like he (Louis)…just bent his finger over. He certainly hasn't lost a finger – don't worry about that!'