Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton’s Royal Christmas Cards Have Been Released – But There’s Something You May Have Missed

The moment we have all been waiting for – the royals have finally released their Christmas cards. However, there are a number of elements you may have missed in Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, as well as Kate Middleton and Prince William’s send outs.

This year’s string of festive portraits marks a first for several reasons. Not only is it the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first Christmas card release, it is also their nephew Prince Louis’ debut appearance in a festive portrait.

The former Suits actress and her royal spouse appear to break tradition by posing with their backs turned away from the camera, as they gazed on at a fireworks display on their wedding day.

Meghan and Harry's Christmas card is very different to Kate and William's first attempt at the royal tradition. Back in 2011 the couple shared a photograph of them two sat in a podium during their royal tour in Canada just months after they married.

While Meghan and Harry's black and white image has fans swooning over the couple – who are expecting their first baby together – it also gives people a little sneak peek behind the scenes of their wedding reception at Frogmore House. But it also gives an insight into the Christmas card process.

While Kate and William’s photograph appears to have been captured in Autumn/Winter, Meghan and Harry’s was a photograph taken from their wedding in May 2018. Similarly, Charles and Camilla's photo was taken over the summer months by Hugo Burnand.

Unlike other portraits that have been released, the royal Christmas card can be an unreleased photograph previously taken during that year, instead of a themed composition.

Kate Middleton, Prince William and their three children Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte pose for their family photograph in the gardens of their country home, Anmer Hall.

While some may be distracted as they coo over Prince Louis – who was born in April this year –there are a string of other talking points.

Some may be surprised the couple have decided to release this portrait of them in a more casual attire, and outdoors. However, they stepped outside for an adorable group shot back in 2015, just months after Charlotte was born.

There’s more. The family have co-ordinated their outfits. The prominent colour scheme among the fivesome is blue, but what is unmissable is that the entire family are wearing a shirt and jumper combo – except William.

George is often pictured wearing his signature shorts, socks and shoes in previous royal cards and portraits, but he has bucked the trend by wearing full length trousers as he plays on the tree branch.

Oh, and doesn’t Charlotte’s sweater look familiar? Yes. Charlotte wore the patterned cardigan back in May, when she was pictured cradling a newborn Louis. It turns out the cardigan is in fact a hand-me-down from George, who previously wore the garment in the Queen’s 90th birthday portrait two years ago. Proof the royals are just like the rest of us.

Then there is Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla. The pair look lovingly into one another’s eyes as they perch on a bench in the grounds of Clarence House, which is the same location they posed at for his 70th birthday portrait earlier this year.