This December, we received two real Christmas cards to analyze, and the differences are so stark that they almost seem intentional.
William and Kate released a photo of April taken by Josh Shinner in Norfolk. The five of them posing in the garden, wearing coordinated earth and green tones, creating a serene and timeless scene. Nothing about that image screams “Christmas,” but that’s exactly the point. It represents stability, continuity, and future kings demonstrating a strong family.
Harry and Meghan, on the other hand, shared a much more spontaneous snapshot on the bridge at their home in Montecito. Archie hugging Harry, Meghan crouching and holding Lilibet’s hand. There is movement, emotion, a moment captured in flight. Two approaches, two completely different messages.
Body language tells the whole story. The photo of William and Kate exudes composure, harmony, and a certain institutional distance, even within the intimacy of family. All five are relaxed, yet aware that they represent something greater than themselves.
With Harry and Meghan, things are different. Parents lean towards their children, creating a protective and close-knit family unit. There are no visible hierarchies, and no rigidity. It’s a family that turns inward, not one that projects itself outward.
The difference lies in their purpose: some aim to build an institutional image, while others seek emotional connection.
Interestingly, despite all these differences, there are still commonalities. Both couples chose nature as their backdrop instead of the typical Christmas tree.
Green dominates both images, though for different reasons: in one, it represents a British countryside landscape, and in the other, Californian vegetation.
Children are central to both, and both couples demonstrate complete control over their visual narrative.
The difference lies in what they want to convey. William and Kate solidify their role as a pillar of the monarchy, while Harry and Meghan reaffirm their identity as an independent family.