Prince William and Kate Middleton release new family photograph for annual Christmas card

Photo taken by Duchess of Cambridge in Norfolk

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been praised for releasing a "natural"-looking family photograph for their annual Christmas card.

The black-and-white snap was taken by Kate Middleton earlier this year in Norfolk, where the family have a home.

In the image, Prince William is captured kissing his one-year-old son, Prince Louis, on the cheek, while Princess Charlotte, four, gently rests her hands on Louis’s shoulders.

Meanwhile, Prince George, six, is pictured alongside his siblings sitting in a small woven chair.

All members of the royal family are dressed casually, with Prince George wearing a fleece and camouflage shorts and Princess Charlotte in a floral skirt and a puffer jacket.

Both Prince Louis and Prince William are pictured wearing jeans and a jumper, with William adding a flat cap to his outfit.

The photograph has been widely praised on social media, with royal fans praising the family for releasing a “natural” snap.

“A beautiful, natural photograph Catherine of your beautiful family, Merry Christmas,” tweeted one person.

Another Twitter user described the photo as “a proper family picture” while others praised Kate Middleton’s photography skills.

The photograph comes after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released their Christmas card, which was also a black-and-white photo.

The image was taken by Meghan’s close friend Janina Gavankar, who is an American actor best known for her TV roles.

The photo features the couple’s seven-month-old son, Archie Harrison, staring right down the camera lens while his parents laugh behind him with a Christmas tree in the background.