Kate Middleton and Prince William's royal photographer reveals behind-the-scenes details of 'relaxed and enjoyable' Christmas card shoot

The photographer behind the Prince and Princess of Wales's Christmas portrait has revealed behind the scenes details of the shoot - which was 'relaxed and enjoyable'.  

Last week, Prince William and Kate, both 41, released a casual family picture with their children Prince George, ten, Prince Louis, five, and Princess Charlotte, eight, in matching white shirts which will be on the front of their festive card this year.

Photographer Josh Shinner has now shared an insight into the day of the photoshoot, revealing he learned some brand new jokes from the royal children.

Taking to Instagram, he also shared a sketch of the family which he had doodled while trying to work out what poses fit best for the composition.

Speaking about the atmosphere on the day, he wrote: 'It was such a pleasure to photograph the Prince and Princess of Wales and their family for the Christmas portrait this year. 

'Without doubt one of the most relaxed and enjoyable sittings I've ever had, and I now have a whole new set of jokes that are right on my level thanks to the children...

'A huge thanks to the @princeandprincessofwales for having me.'

However, when asked what the jokes were, Josh remained tight-lipped, refusing to give away details of the banter he shared with the young royals.

'Keeping those to myself I'm afraid!' he wrote in response to a curious commenter who asked what the 'funniest' joke was. 

In another post of the sketched composition, the photographer wrote: 'I gave up trying to draw faces long ago, and I felt like attempting to draw the @princeandprincessofwales was something that could only end in dismal failure, but this was the starting point for the final composition…'

Many rushed to the comments to congratulate Josh on his amazing work with the royal family. 

One person said: 'Congratulations on such an amazing opportunity!'

Another said: 'Such a lovely portrait - huge congratulations Josh.'

While a third wrote: 'Thank you sir, for sharing this beautiful photo of the Prince and Princess of Wales with their lovely children.'

The monochrome image shows the royal couple smiling alongside their sons Prince George, ten, Prince Louis, five, and Princess Charlotte, eight, who is seated in a chair at the front of the group, with Louis' hand resting on the arm.

The image shows the family in matching plain shirts – George wearing a Ralph Lauren Polo number – with William and the boys in dark trousers. Kate and Charlotte opted for denim jeans. 

Previews of the cards that will be given to friends, family and staff of the Prince and Princess of Wales were issued on Saturday night - and spoke to the family's love of understated, informal photographs to accompany their festive greetings. 

And while the proud parents and oldest son George have opted for dark, formal-looking shoes, Louis and Charlotte have been kitted out with matching trainers.

William, Kate and their children photographed at Windsor earlier this year by photographer Josh, who has shot portraits of famous faces including Florence Pugh, Jodie Comer and Sam Smith.

Kensington Palace said of the photo's release: 'The Prince and Princess of Wales are very pleased to share a new photograph of their family.'

This year's card, while informal, shows more restraint than some of their previously issued season's greetings.

William and Kate's first card as Prince and Princess of Wales was a relaxed affair - showed the couple with George, Charlotte and Louis, all in trainers, on a stroll in Sandringham Estate, Norfolk.

Previous cards issued during their tenure as Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were similarly relaxed and often colourful affairs, such as their 2018 card, in which they sat on a tree trunk in Anmer Hall in Norfolk. 

However in this years card there was also a mystery that puzzled eagle-eyed observers after they focused in on the left hand of Prince Louis, five, and noticed his middle finger appears to be missing.

Of course, he seems simply to be spreading his fingers wide. But then a closer look also led some to question what has happened to William's left leg.

He appears to have adopted a wide stance but only his right leg is visible. Similarly, only one of Kate's feet is in view behind the chair Princess Charlotte, eight, is perched on.

Many speculated the image had been poorly edited or photoshopped, with one social media user writing: 'While it's a nice family photo, as soon as I looked at it, I noticed Louis' hand. He's missing a finger.' 

Another posted: 'Consider the angle of his [William's] supposed right leg, his left leg should be visible in the chair opening unless he's trying to do a split?'

But fear not. All is well with Louis's 'missing' finger, and all the Waleses' limbs have been accounted for.

A royal source told the Mail: 'It's not photoshopped. It seems as if he [Louis]... just bent his finger over. He's certainly not lost a finger – don't worry about that!'