In a surprising twist, the annual Christmas card from Kate Middleton and Prince William has sparked controversy and divided fans. The card, which features a portrait of the couple and their three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - donning matching white shirts, was released over the weekend. However, upon closer inspection, viewers noticed that Prince Louis appeared to be missing the middle finger on his left hand, giving the photo an eerie and unnatural appearance reminiscent of poorly photoshopped images.

The couple captioned the photo as their family Christmas card for 2023 and expressed their pleasure in sharing a new photograph of their family. While some fans speculated that Louis may have simply bent his finger back, given his mischievous nature, others were not convinced and took to social media platforms, such as X (formerly known as Twitter), to express their disbelief. Comments flooded in, with one user asking, "Wait where is Louis' middle finger?" and another exclaiming, "Louis is missing a finger, this has got to be the worst photoshopped pic ever."

Opinions on the photo were divided among fans, with some criticizing it as reminiscent of a JCPenney photoshoot. One sarcastic comment pointed out the lack of Christmas decorations in the background, stating, "Just screams Christmas all over." While some argued that the couple was attempting to portray themselves as an everyday family, others pointed out that they were far from ordinary.

The release of the Wales family's card coincided with the reveal of King Charles III and Queen Camilla's Christmas card, featuring official portraits from Charles' May coronation. This unveiling occurred amidst the ongoing fallout from Omid Scobie's controversial book, "Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy's Fight for Survival." The book alleges that Middleton and Charles expressed concerns over the skin color of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's son, a claim that has not been officially addressed by the palace.

Despite the controversy surrounding the missing finger in Prince Louis' photo, some fans focused on the positive aspects of the card. Many praised the family's appearance and noted how much the children had grown. One person on Instagram commented, "Prince George is such a beautiful young man, and Princess Charlotte is unbelievably nice. The small one [Prince Louis] lovely as always." Another fan even went so far as to compare Princess Charlotte's resemblance to a young Queen Elizabeth.

The Christmas card from the Prince and Princess of Wales also showcased a black and white photo of the family. Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their children radiated happiness as they posed together. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, both dressed in white button-down shirts, stood alongside their sons, Prince George and Prince Louis, and their daughter, Princess Charlotte. The family opted for a casual look, with William, Kate, and Charlotte wearing jeans, while George and Louis sported black pants.

Last year's Christmas card from the couple also featured a casual and relaxed atmosphere. The family was captured strolling hand-in-hand down a path, exuding joy and togetherness. This year's card continued the tradition of showcasing the family's close bond.

Although the couple recently relocated to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, their primary residence was Kensington Palace, and they frequently spend time at their country home, Anmer Hall, on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Anmer Hall was gifted to William and Kate by the late Queen Elizabeth II after their wedding in 2011, making it a special place for the family to create lasting memories.

As the debate over Prince Louis' missing finger continues, the royal family remains focused on celebrating the holiday season and cherishing their time together. Despite the controversies that have surrounded them, William and Kate strive to convey an image of a loving and united family.