The heart-warming reason Prince George matches Prince William in new festive photo

Prince George matches Prince William in a few ways in the Wales family Christmas card photo and there could be a very special reason for this...

Prince George matches Prince William in new Christmas photo, seen here side-by-side at different occasions
(Image credit: Future// Image 1: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty // Image 2: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

There could be a very heart-warming reason why Prince George matches Prince William in their new festive family photo. 


Beaming in between his father and younger sister in Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Christmas card photo for 2022, Prince George looked a little more casual than we’ve seen in recent months. For this special family snap taken by Matt Porteous, who once revealed that Kate has an “amazing eye” for photos, Prince George wore a soft blue polo shirt, dark blue shorts and navy trainers. And although the family all wore similar shades in line with how the Royal Family wears blue often, Prince William’s outfit looked especially similar to his eldest son’s.

The Prince of Wales wore jeans and a darker navy shirt but his look echoed this smart/casual vibe of Prince George’s. Both their shirts have the iconic Ralph Lauren logo on them - singling them out as wearing matching brands. 

Whilst the way Prince George matches Prince William could be a coincidence, a huge amount of thought has clearly gone into this year’s family Christmas photo. And there could be a special reason why their coordinating looks might be intentional.  

Royal expert Duncan Larcombe has previously got candid with OK! about why he believes Prince George’s outfits match the Prince of Wales - and it couldn't be more adorable. According to him, they've looked deliberately similar in the past because Prince George “wanted to dress” like his “absolute hero” Prince William. 

For an outing to watch England vs Germany in the Euros 2020 last year, the then-seven-year-old Prince George wore a smart suit that caught fans’ attention as it matched his dad’s.

“Prince William is George’s absolute hero,” the royal expert claimed at the time. “He thinks his dad’s the most perfect person on the planet.”

Prince William and Prince George in the Christmas card photo for 2022

(Image credit: Instagram/Matt Porteous)

Duncan went on to explain, “George idolizes his dad. That’s why we saw him looking so smart in his suit - he really wanted to dress like William. He’s becoming a pretty big character and has both of his parents eating out of the palm of his hand.”

Since the expert first made these enlightening comments, Prince George has continued to mirror Prince William with his clothing choices. It’s thought that his idolization of his father could be the adorable reason Prince George wore a suit and tie to Wimbledon despite the scorching heat in July 2022 when he joined his parents to watch the fast-paced Men’s Final. 

And the same could perhaps be said of the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Christmas card photo for 2022. Though Prince William and Prince George might not look identical, they keep to an all blue color palette and even wear the same shirt brand.  

Prince William, Prince George and Princess Catherine celebrate the first goal in the UEFA EURO 2020 round of 16 football match

(Image credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

This might not be the last time fans get to see Prince George and his “hero” dad Prince William in 2022. Although not confirmed, it’s thought likely they will be at Sandringham with King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla for Christmas. So it’s possible people could get to see the father and son walking to church on Christmas Day alongside many of the other royals and who knows if their outfits could be similar once again. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!