Prince William and Kate Middleton release official Christmas card after it was leaked by fans

Photograph was leaked by fan’s social media account last week

(Kensington Palace via Getty Imag)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have released their official Christmas card, four days after the photograph was leaked by a fan account on Instagram.

The photo, which was taken in the autumn by Matt Porteous, shows Prince William and Kate Middleton with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, at their home in Norfolk: Anmer Hall.

The family are pictured looking relaxed outdoors and are sitting on hay bales with a pile of wood behind them.

They are all clad in casual clothing, with George wearing a brown zip-up fleece, while Louis wears a navy blue jumper over a collared shirt and Charlotte is pictured in a green Christmas jumper and leggings.

William is wearing blue jeans, a blue collared shirt and a dark green roundneck jumper.

Kate, meanwhile, is wearing a white collared shirt and a deep crimson jumper over grey skinny jeans.

It comes just a few days after the family photo was shared prematurely on social media by royal fans.

While some were thrilled to get a sneak peak at the image, others were concerned it would not be released by Kensington Palace in light of the leak.

“Guys, stop posting the Christmas card please, it was leaked last year and they didn’t post it. I get everyone’s excited and wants to share it etc, but pls let them post it when they’re ready to,” one person wrote on Twitter.

Another commented: “So, I just saw the Christmas card it is gorgeous, but if you see it or have it, don't share it, please.”

It’s not the first time the family’s Christmas card has been leaked. Last year, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty shared the Cambridge’s Christmas card on social media before it had been released by Kensington Palace.