Why Everyone Is Saying William And Kate’s Christmas Card Photo Was Photoshopped
Some fans have questions after zooming in on Kate Middleton and Prince William’s new Christmas card. The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 41, issued their holiday greeting on Saturday with a black and white snap featuring Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. The portrait taken by Josh Shinner marks a return to the studio style last seen in 2017 — but social media users have spotted some oddities.
“Why is your son missing a finger? And whose legs are those?” one commenter wrote on X, drawing attention to Prince Louis’ left hand that rested on Princess Charlotte’s chair and where his leg should be.
Upon a closer look, Prince Louis’ foot seems to be covered by the carpet on the floor, but the area around his and Prince William’s legs still seems to be slightly off. On Louis’ hand, some said it appeared that a finger was missing while others questioned if they spotted six fingers.
“You people are crazy, his fingers are split 🖖🏼 like this in the photo,” an Instagram commenter offered as an explanation.
Aside from the closer look at Prince Louis, another X user asked, “Where’s William’s thigh? Where’s Kate’s other foot?” pointing to the way the Prince and Princess of Wales stood.
Another Instagram user questioned if anyone else saw “the illusion of a crown” in the way the light hit Prince George’s hair. After all, the young prince is second in the line of succession to the British throne behind his father!
This year’s Christmas card photo showed the family of five matching in button-down shirts as they posed in front of a neutral backdrop. Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte both wore jeans, while Prince William and Prince George sported dark slacks and Prince Louis sported dark shorts. Charlotte and Louis twinned in canvas sneakers while William and Kate each put an arm around each of their sons, with George standing by his mom’s side.Â
Summing up the surprise around the Wales family’s Christmas card portrait, which marked a departure from the colorful outdoor snaps released in recent years, another Instagrammer joked, “It’s giving JC Penny! They’re just like us!!!!”
READ: VIDEO: George, Charlotte And Louis Volunteer With Mom Kate At Baby Bank
That might be just the message Prince William and Kate intended to send, as they strive to create a childhood experience that’s as normal as possible for their three children.
“Those children look pretty happy with life,” a palace insider told PEOPLE earlier this year. “A lot of it is the stabilizing normality Kate brings — and that’s how she grew up. William absolutely loves it.”
“Coming from a different background, she appreciates the importance of having family time,” said a source close to the royal household. “She wasn’t brought up in that aristocratic setting where you see the children for a short time each day.”