Whenever the royal family steps out, we can’t wait to see what adorable photos of 11-year-old Prince George, 9-year-old Princess Charlotte, and 6-year-old Prince Louis fill our feeds. And the number of photos (plus the cuteness factor!) increases tenfold around the holidays. From the festive outfits to the rosy cheeks, and the spring in everyone’s step, there’s no question we see some of the most wonderful pictures of the royal family — Wales kids especially! — during the “most wonderful time” of the year.
And Christmastime is one of the only times of every year when we’re guaranteed to see all three children. Sure, the trio steps out for historic coronations and jubilees, but beyond that, their outings are minimal (when compared to their royal relatives) and not often altogether. After all, Prince Louis famously (and some might say, criminally) didn’t get to join his big siblings when they and Prince William met Taylor Swift.
But when December rolls around, we are destined to see Prince William and Kate Middleton’s kids at the “Together at Christmas” Carol Service at Westminster Abbey and when they walk to and from church on Christmas Day.
And so, as we approach that infamous walk, and as the royal family prepares for their “noisy” celebrations at Sandringham, we’re looking back at the best photos of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis at Christmas over the years. There are some stunningly regal photos of Prince George, some sassy side-eye from Princess Charlotte, some infamous silly antics from Prince Louis, and some overall sibling sweetness.
Singing Along
Image Credit: Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images If we hadn’t already seen the dazzling holiday card that Prince William and Kate Middleton released in 2024, we might have suggested this breathtaking shot of their family of five all singing during the Together at Christmas Carol Service.
Special Delivery
Image Credit: Jordan Pettitt – Pool/Getty Images Even royals write letters to Santa! Here, the Wales siblings drop their letters off in a mailbox at the 2024 Together at Christmas Carol Service.
A Different Dynamic
Image Credit: Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images Photos of Princess Charlotte and Prince George at the 2024 Together at Christmas Service were notably different from photos taken the prior year. Whereas in 2023 silly Prince Louis tried to blow out his sister’s candle, in 2024, Prince George was seen lighting her flame.
Chummy Cousins
Image Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage There’s no question who stole the show on Christmas 2023: Prince Louis and Mia Tindall. The young prince and his cousin — the daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall and granddaughter of Princess Anne — were so sweet and smiley as they walked hand-in-hand to mass.
Silly Antics
Image Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images Perhaps the most memorable part of the 2023 Together at Christmas Carol Service was Prince Louis trying to blow out his big sister’s festive candle. The adorable young royal has proven again and again that the third child is a wild card.
Shake On It
Image Credit: Aaron Chown – Pool/Getty Images But then there was the ultra sweet and serious moment that year when Prince Louis, surrounded by his family, went to shake the hand of Reverend David Stanton.
Again … wild card!
Smiles All Around
Image Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage This photo from the 2022 “Together at Christmas” Carol Service at Westminster Abbey makes our hearts soar. The four royals all look so happy! Of course, it would have been special if Prince Louis was there too, but it was likely well past the then 4-year-old’s bedtime.
The Red Jacket Debut
Image Credit: UK Press via Getty Images There are a lot of reasons to love the photos from the 2022 holiday season, but our favorite detail was Princess Charlotte’s jacket. The young princess must adore the vibrant peacoat as much as we do, because she wore it again in 2023 … and again in 2024!
Walking the Red Carpet
Image Credit: AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their kids walked a red carpet when they attended a special pantomime performance of Pantoland. The 2020 performance was a thank-you to essential workers and their families for their efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The family looks so cheery and laid back in their festive yet comfy looks.
Straining To See
Image Credit: WPA Pool/Getty Images Young Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis probably had the best seats in the house at the 2020 Pantoland performance, and yet they look like any kids in this photo — leaning forward and straining to see every bit of the dazzling Christmas show.
Color Coordination
Image Credit: Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage We love to see parent-child twinning moments, and these royals nailed their color coordination for their 2019 Christmas walk. Prince William and his eldest both looked spiffy in navy, and Kate Middleton wore an emerald green hat that perfectly matched her daughter’s peacoat.
Cheeks for Days
Image Credit: ANDREW MATTHEWS/AFP via Getty Images Prince George and Princess Charlotte (who are 3 and 1 here) have adorably chunky cheeks in this photo from Christmas 2016.
A Festive Treat
Image Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince George looked so *ahem* sweet leaving church with a candy cane in his mouth in 2016. This was the 3-year-old prince’s first public Christmas appearance, and it certainly was a memorable one with that festive treat.
