The Prince and Princess of Wales have chosen a sweet family photograph to use on their official Christmas card this year. The never-before-seen snap was taken by Yorkshire-born photographer Josh Shinner in Norfolk in April this year.

The image, released on Kensington Palace’s social media, shows William and Catherine sitting in a grassy field filled with spring daffodils with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. They are all dressed casually in jeans, shirts and jumpers – with Prince William appearing to match with his youngest son, Prince Louis.

They smiling family all sitting close together, with Charlotte lovingling resting her head on her father’s should and holding onto his right arm, and young Louis, seven, is leaning back sitting between William’s legs. Catherine, wearing her long brown hair down, is sitting next to her husband and has her arm around Prince George, 12, who sits in front of her with his sleeves rolled up and wearing a gilet.

The post, shared on Thursday morning, reads: “Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”

Royal fans were delighted to see the new family photo, and were quick to respond to the newly released snap.

One person wrote: “Such a beautiful family and lovely photograph. A safe and happy Christmas and New Year to you.”

Another said: “Merry Christmas to you too! Beautiful picture love it.”

A third said: “Merry Christmas. Very best wishes for the new year to everyone everywhere. Lovely family, lovely photo.”

The photographer has taken photos of the Wales family before, including their 2023 Christmas card photo which saw the family pose for a traditional black-and-white portrait.

Senior royals regularly release images used to decorate their official Christmas cards.

The King and Queen shared theirs earlier in the month, and saw the couple chose a picture from when they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in Rome.

Posing arm in arm in the gardens of Villa Wolkonsky in the Italian capital, Charles and Camilla smile fondly at the camera.

They are surrounded by blooming flowers and lush green trees as they stand in the beautiful grounds of the home of the British ambassador to Italy.

Respected royal photographer Chris Jackson captured the image, which was taken in April during their state visit to Italy.