Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex praised for 'calming' Christmas card

It is the season for the royal family Christmas cards to be released – and Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex's is the latest to be unveiled.

In a post on Twitter, the photographer responsible shared a picture of the relaxed portrait that the Queen's youngest son, 57, and his wife Sophie, 56, had decided to use.

Tim Rooke shared an image of the original photo he took in July, as well as a snap of the card, which he had been sent, on display on his Christmas tree.

He wrote: "Delighted the Earl and Countess of Wessex chose my picture for their Christmas Card this year.

"The picture was taken on a visit to Forfar Golf Club where the Earl made his debut in Forfar Tartan."

In the image, the prince – who is known as the Earl of Fofar when in Scotland – can be seen wearing a tartan kilt while walking across grass with the countess, who looks stylish in a floral dress.

Rooke's post has received more than 600 'likes' and several dozen shares, with social media users praising the shot as "lovely" and "calming".

It is thought that the royal couple, who are parents to Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn, will spend Christmas Day with Her Majesty.

Earlier this month, Prince William and Kate Middleton revealed the image used for their family Christmas card.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are joined by their children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – in the photo, which was taken on holiday in Jordan.

Since being shared to Instagram, the picture has received more than 1.9 million 'likes' with social media users praising the "beautiful" family.

The image is very different to the one selected for their 2020 card, also shared to Instagram, which saw them sporting jumpers at home in the UK.

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