S Poddar
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has often been seen capturing spontaneous and joyful moments of her family. Recently, she delighted the public with a heartwarming birthday photo of Prince William playing with their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Kate’s passion for photography is well-known, even though an editing mishap once caused a Mother’s Day photo to be removed from major photo agencies’ archives. However, this passion isn’t just a hobby. As highlighted in the Channel 5 documentary “Kate: A Queen for the Future,” Kate took on the role of the family’s main photographer to shield her children from the harsh scrutiny of the media—a lesson learned from observing the negative impact on Prince William.
Journalist Afua Hagan explained in the documentary, “Kate understands the public’s interest in her family, especially her children. She knows the press needs these photos and, recognizing the damage media attention has caused William, she decided to take control.” Kate’s decision to personally photograph her children and share the images with the press and on social media was groundbreaking.
Royal Commentator Ingrid Seward noted that Kate’s approach has spared her children from the discomfort of posing for strangers. By taking on this role, Kate has become the family’s primary photographer, protecting her children while still satisfying public interest.
Prince William has experienced media attention since birth, and both he and Prince Harry have spoken about their struggles with it. Kate’s recent photo of William and the children playing in Norfolk, shared with a loving birthday message, is a testament to her skill and dedication.
At 42, Kate not only captures cherished family moments but also serves as the patron of the Royal Photographic Society. She even initiated the Hold Still project during the lockdown, showcasing her commitment to photography and her family.
