Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have released their 2025 family holiday card, presenting a notably different approach compared to the more polished image shared by Prince William and Kate Middleton. This divergence in style reflects a broader pattern: the Sussexes favor relaxed, candid moments, while the Waleses maintain a traditional, posed aesthetic.
Unscripted Family Moment
The Sussexes’ card features an unposed photograph of Harry, Meghan, Prince Archie (6), and Princess Lilibet (4) on a small bridge, framed by trees. Harry is dressed casually in jeans and a button-down shirt, embracing Archie in a spontaneous hug. Meghan leans down to touch foreheads with Lilibet, the image capturing a tender, intimate moment.
The caption, “Happy Holidays! From our family to yours,” reinforces the relaxed tone. The photograph appears less staged than the Waleses’ recent release, where William, Kate, Prince George (12), Princess Charlotte (10), and Prince Louis (7) are neatly arranged in a field of daffodils.
Contrasting Royal Approaches
The Waleses’ portrait, taken in April 2025, shows the family smiling directly at the camera in coordinated outfits. While both families share holiday greetings, the Sussexes’ card emphasizes natural interaction over formal presentation. This difference highlights how each couple uses public imagery to shape their brand: the Waleses project stability and tradition, while the Sussexes lean into authenticity.
Domestic Traditions
Meghan Markle has further personalized their family’s holiday experience by sharing traditions from her Netflix show With Love, Meghan. She was filmed making cinnamon stars and quiches, echoing her annual Christmas morning brunch with family. Markle also uses fabric advent calendars embroidered with her children’s names, filled with treats leading up to Christmas.
Markle has stated that the holidays “get better every year” with her kids, and she anticipates seeing them experience the season with growing awareness. Her approach suggests an emphasis on creating new, cherished traditions rather than rigidly adhering to formal expectations.
The shift in presentation underscores a broader divergence in royal branding. The Sussexes’ candid approach is likely designed to create a sense of intimacy and relatability, while the Waleses maintain a more traditional image of regal formality. These choices reflect each couple’s distinct vision for their public persona.
