Kate Middleton Shakes Up Royal Traditions with Prince George’s Birthday Photo

In a surprising move, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has broken away from royal customs by sharing a professional photograph of her son, Prince George, to celebrate his 10th birthday.

This departure from tradition marks a notable shift, as previous birthday portraits of the young prince were typically captured by his mother herself.

The snapshot, which was released in July 2023, features George sitting gracefully on the steps of Windsor Castle, his arms crossed over his knees.

It was taken by Millie Pilkington, a professional photographer, highlighting a significant change in how the royal family commemorates special occasions.

Traditionally, Kate has been the one behind the lens for her children's birthday photos, showcasing her skills as an amateur photographer.

For instance, last year, when George turned nine, Kate snapped a charming picture of him beaming on a beach during a family vacation.

In that image, he sported a blue polo shirt adorned with orange stripes, sitting on the bonnet of a car that held sentimental value.

The vehicle, a Land Rover, was a favorite of his great-grandfather, Prince Philip, adding a layer of depth to the celebration.

Reflecting on past birthdays, George's seventh celebration took place during the lockdown.

The family stayed at their country home in Norfolk, where they shared two candid photos of him dressed in green, capturing the essence of a quieter family moment.

These images not only highlighted the family's close-knit bond but also offered a glimpse into their life away from public scrutiny.

Kate's approach to birthday photography extends beyond George.

For Princess Charlotte's eighth birthday, she enlisted Pilkington once again, resulting in a heartwarming image of the young princess embracing her beloved black spaniel, Orla, in a Windsor park.

These moments reveal the intimate side of royal life, showcasing the playful and loving nature of the family.

However, not all photo releases have gone smoothly for the royal family.

Recently, photo agencies withdrew an image of Kate with her three children, which was shared ahead of Mother's Day.

Concerns arose over the authenticity of the photo, leading to speculation that it had been digitally altered.