Mystery over Christmas Royal Family photo as Prince William and Princess Kate’s left legs disappear while Prince Louis seems to be missing a finger

This family portrait, shot in stylish black and white, is a bit more sober than the traditional, bright and busy Christmas card.

The monochrome image chosen by William and Kate shows the couple smiling next to sons Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, who are sitting in a chair at the front of the group.

But is there more missing from this year's festive portrait of the Prince and Princess of Wales than a sprig of holly and a woolen jumper or two?

That's what mysteriously puzzled eagle-eyed observers last night after they focused on the left hand of Prince Louis, five, and noticed that his middle finger appears 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 fairly 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.

A royal source told the Mail that Prince Louis appears to have bent his finger

The Prince and Princess of Wales shared their family photo online with the caption: 'Our family Christmas card for 2023', along with a Christmas tree emoji and a red love heart.

The three men and boys are dressed in matching plain shirts – George opts for a Ralph Lauren Polo number – and dark trousers, while Kate and Charlotte have swapped the trousers for jeans.

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!'

As for William and Kate, it may be that William's left leg was hidden behind Charlotte and Kate stood with one foot in front of the other.

Enthusiasts of the firm went into an uproar when the image was published, with many commenting on how quickly Welsh children are growing up – with Prince Louis seemingly on his best behavior for the photoshoot.

On Friday he blew out Prince Charlotte's candle at his mother's annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, leaving his eight-year-old sister in the lurch.

However, it appears Louis was unable to cope with his usual cheeky antics as he was pictured standing tall, with his father's guiding hand on his shoulder.

“I think this is a strong hand for Prince Louis to keep him from running away!” I love that naughty child,” said one royal supporter on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Fans of the royal family also discussed how Prince George has grown professionally, with some noting that he has grown almost as tall as Kate at just 10 years old.

Enthusiasts of the company went into an uproar when the image was published, with many commenting on how quickly Welsh children are growing up. In the photo: the family at Prince Louis's baptism in 2018

One wrote: “Prince George is so tall,” to which another replied: “Yes! He is already sitting on his mother's shoulders and is only ten years old.'

Another commented: “Prince George is going to be 6 feet tall or taller!”

A third wrote: 'I love how George leans into his mother, almost protecting her, and how Charlotte is the independent one who says we have this.'

Many have said that the young princess looks like a spitting image of her great-grandmother, the late queen.

Others have predicted she will be the next 'star' of the family, commenting on how she 'radiates confidence and class'.

William, Kate and their children were photographed in Windsor earlier this year by acclaimed photographer Josh Shinner.