Sophie Wessex and Edward spark frenzy over Christmas card amid absence of Lady Louise

Sophie and Prince Edward are the latest members of the Royal Family to have shared their 2021 Christmas card. The Earl and Countess of Wessex opted for a picture taken during a visit to Forfar Golf Club in late June when the organisation marked its 150th anniversary.

For the occasion, Edward - who was gifted by the Queen the Scottish title of Earl of Forfar on his 55th birthday in 2019 - made his debut in Forfar Tartan.

In the snap, both royals smile and look to the camera while on a stroll at the club.

While many royal fans appreciated the choice, others were left puzzled over the absence of the couple's two beloved children Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn.

Royal historian and commentator Marlene Koenig wrote on Twitter: "Lovely. But interesting that they didn’t do a family photo".

Twitter user Lucy asked the expert whether the choice not to include their children may be a move signalling Louise and James won't enter the public sphere in the future.

She said: "Statement on how they want their kids to be viewed in the future?"

To which Ms Koenig added: "This could be their official card as opposed to a family car that goes to friends and family".

Another Twitter user, Bell Lee, asked: "Why don't they include their children?"

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A fellow social media user, Laulo Squared, replied: "They haven't included their children in past Christmas cards, which is entirely their prerogative."

Another royal fan, Joan McTigue, also asked: "Why no children in the photo?"

Other royal fans simply appreciated the picture choice, with one, called Jennifer, praising the Wessexes saying: "Lovely picture! Lovely hardworking couple, they don't always get the fanfare other members get, but they would be sorely missed if they were streamlined.

"No fuss, no complaints, just solid support for the Queen."

A second, Shannondor, wrote: "I love them so much. They are so happy together and HRH Sophie is one of Her Majesty's favorite people"

And another, Evans Einstein, added: "This is so adorable. I love the Wessexes."

Sophie and Edward did not include their two children in last year's Christmas card too.

In 2020, they opted for a snap taken during a visit to Vauxhall City Farm, Lambeth, where the Countess was introduced to Jerry the alpaca.

Sophie, speaking to the animal, said: "You've got a funny face.

"I suppose you must think I have a funny face too."

Prince Edward, the Queen's youngest child, got married to Sophie in 1999.

The pair joined the Firm as full-time working royals a few years later, after Sophie left her career in PR and Edward stepped down from his production company.

Their firstborn Lady Louise turned 18 last month - a birthday that attracted the attention of many royal watchers.

This is because, following this milestone, the young royal is believed to be able to choose whether to adopt the HRH style and title of Princess she was entitled at birth or continue to live far from the spotlight and build her own future as a non-working member of the Firm.

In an interview to the Sunday Times in 2020, Sophie said about her children's future: "We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living.

"Hence we made the decision not to use HRH titles.

"They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but I think it’s highly unlikely."