Prince William and Princess Kate’s left legs disappear and Prince Louis seems to be missing a finger as mystery surrounds Christmas Royal Family photo
Shot in stylish black and white, this family portrait is more understated than the traditional bright and saturated Christmas card.
In the monochrome image chosen by William and Kate, the couple smiles with their sons Prince George and Prince Louis, and daughter Princess Charlotte, who sits in the chair in front.
But what else is missing from the festive portrait of the Prince and Princess of Wales other than a sprig of holly and a wool sweater or two?
It was the mystery that baffled eagle-eyed observers last night when they zeroed in on five-year-old Prince Louis’ left hand and noticed he was missing his middle finger.
Of course, it looks like he’s just spreading his fingers wide. But then a closer look led some to wonder what happened to William’s left leg.
He appears to have adopted a wide stance, but only his right leg is visible. Likewise, only one of Kate’s legs is visible behind the chair in which eight-year-old Princess Charlotte sits.
Optical illusion: Wallace family portrait has confused some observers
A royal source told the Mail that Prince Louis appears to have bent his finger
The Prince and Princess of Wales shared a family photo online with the caption: “Our family Christmas card for 2023,” along with a Christmas tree emoji and a red love heart.
Prince William and the boys wore matching simple shirts (George opted for a Ralph Lauren polo number) and dark trousers, while Kate and Charlotte swapped their trousers for denim jeans.
Many suggested the image was poorly edited or photoshopped, with one social media user writing: “Although it’s a nice family photo, as soon as I looked at it I noticed Louis’ hand.” He doesn’t have a finger.
Another wrote: “Consider the angle of (William’s) supposed right leg, his left leg should be visible through the opening of the chair unless he’s trying to do the splits?”
But don’t be afraid. Louis’ “missing” finger is fine, and all of the Wallaces’ limbs are accounted for.
A royal source told the Mail: “It’s not photoshopped. It looks like he (Louis)… just bent his finger. He definitely didn’t lose a finger – don’t worry about it!”
As for William and Kate, it’s possible that William’s left leg was hidden behind Charlotte while Kate stood with one foot in front of the other.
Firm lovers were furious when the photo was published, with many commenting on how quickly Wales’ children are growing up – and Prince Louis appeared to be on his best behavior during the photo shoot.
On Friday he blew out Prince Charlotte’s candle during his mother’s annual Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey, leaving his eight-year-old sister in stitches.
However, it appears 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 think it’s a strong hand for Prince Louis to keep him from running away!” Love this mischievous child,” said one royal supporter on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Royal fans also discussed how Prince George has grown in professional photos, with some noting that he has grown almost as tall as Kate in just ten years.
Fans of The Firm were furious when the image was posted, with many commenting on how fast Wales’ 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 is already on his mother’s shoulders, he is only ten years old.”
Another noted: “Prince George will be 6ft 5in or taller!”
A third wrote: “I love how George leans on his mum, almost protecting her, and how Charlotte is independent and says we have this.”
Many said that the young princess looked like her great-grandmother, the late queen.
Others predicted she would be the family’s next “star” and noted that she “oozes confidence and class.”
William, Kate and their children were photographed in Windsor earlier this year by renowned photographer Josh Shinner.