Prince William and Kate release new family photo for Christmas card

The Prince and Princess of Wales released a new family photograph today for their Christmas card with children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The picture, taken by Josh Shinner in Norfolk in April, was posted on Kensington Palace's social media with the caption: 'Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.'

The image shows William and Kate smiling as they sit on the grass amid spring daffodils with their children, with the Princess also seen with her arm around George.

Charlotte is resting her head on her father's shoulder and holding onto his arm, while a relaxed Louis - without his top front teeth - is leaning back between William's legs.

The image was released two days after William and Kate joined other royals at the annual pre-Christmas lunch hosted by the King at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. 

Charles III and Queen Camilla chose their 20th wedding anniversary portrait for their official Christmas card this year, which was released to the public on December 6. 

One day earlier, the Waleses and their children joined a congregation of celebrities, sporting stars and community stalwarts for Kate's Together at Christmas service.

Kate presided over the carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 5, with 1,600 guests filling the pews where the Princess and her husband married in 2011.

William, Kate and the children are expected to join the King and Queen along with other members of the Royal Family at Sandringham in Norfolk for Christmas Day.

Charles is also thought to have invited Camilla's children and their families, as well as his nieces Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie - but not their disgraced father Andrew. 

The Waleses could also appear for the Christmas Day service alongside Charles which involves a traditional walkabout after church where they meet well-wishers.

More to follow