Even without their Prince and Princess titles, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, are still a big part of the family festive cheer.
The young royals joined their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, to sign this year’s 2025 Christmas card, giving fans a rare glimpse into the family’s off-duty adventures.
The card, unveiled this week, celebrates Prince Edward and Sophie’s trip to Japan in September.
One image shows the duke tackling an old wooden bridge during a walk, looking relaxed in a polo shirt and armed with walking sticks, while Sophie “takes the high road”.
Inside, a candid shot captures Edward and Sophie smiling at each other during a sumo wrestling match at Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium, a playful nod to their adventurous spirit.
Accompanying the images is a warm festive message: “I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
Fans will also see Louise and James’ signatures, quietly cementing their role in the family celebrations even as they eschew royal titles.
This festive reveal comes just days after James, Earl of Wessex, celebrated his 18th birthday on December 17, following in the footsteps of his older sister Louise, who similarly decided not to adopt her princely title upon turning 18 in 2021.
The Duchess of Edinburgh previously explained the family’s approach, telling Good Housekeeping: “We try to educate them with the understanding that they are very likely to have to work to earn a living. “That’s why we made the decision not to use HRH titles.
“They have them and they can decide to use them from the age of 18, but I think it is very unlikely.”
And according to a friend of the couple speaking with him MailJames doesn’t care about titles.
“That’s the last kind of thing he’s interested in,” the source said, proving the youngest Windsor is carving his own path.
