The Waleses posted a new black & white photo of their three kids on Christmas

It’s been happening a lot this year – whenever King Charles has a big moment, whenever he’s doing something for “the first time as king,” or it’s important that all eyes are on him, Prince William and Kate will do something to divert attention to themselves. It’s the Chelsea Flower Show debacle all over again, or William giving that interview about how he’s the savior of homelessness during his father’s first Trooping the Colour newscycle. Well, it’s happened again!

On Christmas Day, Kensington Palace’s official social media accounts dropped a brand new photo of Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte. It’s new-to-us – part of the same Josh Shinner photoshoot from which the Wales family got their (awful) Christmas card. This one of the kids is still giving Olan Mills/mall studio, although there’s more life to it and less dead space. Will and Kate posted the photo with this message: “Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, from our family to yours! W & C.” It was timed for release a few hours before King Charles’ Christmas speech aired. You cannot make this up!

The one nice thing I’ll say about this photo is that all of the kids have their fingers in this one, although it definitely looks like Louis is missing an arm. George and Charlotte look fine – they’re both looking at the camera, while Louis is staring off into space. Are these seriously the best shots to come out of that photoshoot?

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, from our family to yours! W & C

???? Josh Shinner pic.twitter.com/7qyMlMTvVG

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) December 25, 2023

Photos courtesy of Josh Shinner for Kensington Palace, Avalon Red and Cover Images.

Copyright in the photograph is vested in The Prince and Princess of Wales. Publications are asked to credit the photograph to Josh Shinner. The photograph shall be solely used for news editorial purposes only. It shall not be approved for souvenirs, or memorabilia; or anything colourably similar. There shall be no commercial use whatsoever of the photograph (including by way of example only) any use in merchandising, advertising or any other non news editorial use. The photograph must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated or modified in any manner or form and must include all of the individuals in the photograph when published. The photograph shall not be used after 31st December 2024 without prior
permission from Kensington Palace. Any questions relating to the use of the photograph should be first referred to
Kensington Palace and before publication.

Undated handout photo issued by Kensington Palace of the Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The photograph, which features on their Royal Highnesses’ Christmas card this year, was taken by the photographer Josh Shinner earlier this year and shows The Prince and Princess with their three children in Windsor.

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.,Image: 828291451, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Josh Shinner/Kensington Palace / Avalon