Shot in stylish black and white, this family portrait is a little more reserved than the traditional, colorful and busy Christmas card.
The monochrome image chosen by William and Kate shows the couple smiling alongside sons Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, who sit on a chair at the front of the group.
But is there more than a sprig of holly and a wool sweater or two missing from the Prince and Princess of Wales' celebratory portrait this year?
That was the conundrum that puzzled eagle-eyed observers last night when they focused on five-year-old Prince Louis' left hand and noticed that his middle finger appeared to be missing.
Of course he just seems to spread his fingers. But a closer look led some to ask what happened to Williams' left leg.
He appears to have taken a fairly wide stance, but only his right leg is visible. Likewise, only one of Kate's feet can be seen behind the chair on which eight-year-old Princess Charlotte is sitting.
Trick of the eye: The Waleses' family portrait confused some observers
A royal source told the Mail that Prince Louis appeared to have bent his finger
The Prince and Princess of Wales shared their family photo online with the caption “Our family Christmas card for 2023,” along with a Christmas tree emoji and a red love heart.
The three men and boys wear matching plain shirts – George chose a Ralph Lauren polo shirt – and dark trousers, while Kate and Charlotte swapped trousers for jeans.
Many speculated that the image had been poorly edited or photoshopped, with one social media user writing: “It's a lovely family photo but when I looked at it I immediately noticed Louis' hand.” He's missing one Finger.'
Another posted: “Consider his angle.” [William’s] “Supposed right leg, his left leg should be visible in the chair opening unless he's trying to do the splits?”
But no fear. All is well with Louis' “missing” finger, and all of the Waleses' limbs have been accounted for.
A royal source told the Mail: “It's not photoshopped.” It seems like he is [Louis]…just bent his finger forward. He certainly hasn't lost a finger – don't worry about it!'
As for William and Kate, it could be that William's left leg was hidden behind Charlotte and Kate stood with one foot in front of the other.
Lovers of the company went into a frenzy when the picture was released, with many commenting on how quickly the Welsh children were growing up – and Prince Louis appeared to be at his best for the photoshoot.
On Friday, he blew out Prince Charlotte's candle during his mother's annual carol concert at Westminster Abbey, leaving his eight-year-old sister in stitches.
However, it appears that Louis was not up to his usual cheeky antics as he was pictured standing upright with his father's guiding hand on his shoulder.
“I guess that's a strong hand on Prince Louis to stop him from running away! I love this mischievous child,” a royal supporter said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Fans of the royal family also discussed how Prince George shot up in the professional snap, with some noting that he was almost as tall as Kate at just ten years old.
Lovers of the company were thrown into an uproar when the picture was released, with many commenting on how quickly Welsh children are growing up. Pictured: The family at Prince Louis' christening in 2018
One wrote: “Prince George is so tall,” to which another replied: “Yes!” “He's already sitting on his mother's shoulders and is just ten years old.”
Another remarked: “Prince George will be 6ft 3in or taller!”
A third wrote: “I love how George leans on his mother, almost protecting her and how Charlotte is the independent one who says we've got this.”
Many have said that the young princess looks like a spitting image of her great-grandmother, the late queen.
Others have predicted she will be the family's next “star”, commenting that she “exudes confidence and class”.
William, Kate and their children were photographed in Windsor earlier this year by renowned photographer Josh Shinner.