It’s been a tough year, bookended by the release of two controversial publications that have rocked the royal family and painted the Prince and Princess of Wales, in particular, in a bad light.
But while some of the claims in Prince Harry’s memoir Spare and Omid Scobie’s book Endgame must have left William and Kate reeling, they’ve taken the motto “Keep calm and carry on” to heart, pushing aside personal dramas to focus on their dedication to duty and come out smiling. Despite the difficulties faced in 2023, their Christmas photo is a show of unity and a sign their family is thriving.
“We’re being shown the strength and total confidence of the pared-down family brand here, without all the trappings and trimmings of their royal status,” says body language expert Judi James.
Unusually, the pair have chosen a black-and-white shot for their Christmas card, which shows them posed in front of a blank background with Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, fi ve. Taken at Windsor Castle by celebrity photographer Josh Shinner, it’s a departure from the colour images used in recent years, which have tended to feature outdoor settings.
Opting for black and white has been a controversial choice, with some royal commentators panning the photo for being “gloomy” and not very festive. But it has the seal of approval from others who say it’s a classy look. It has been pointed out that it bears a resemblance to a photo of William and Harry used by their mother Princess Diana in her 1992 Christmas card.
Denne historien er fra December 18, 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 18, 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK