As Prince George celebrated his 12th birthday on July 22, royal fans were delighted by a charming new portrait of the young royal — but some noticed a subtle yet significant change. Unlike previous years, the milestone photo was not taken by Princess Kate herself, marking a potential shift away from a beloved tradition she personally upheld.
Shared via the official social media accounts of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the portrait was captured by Josh Shinner, a professional photographer favored by the royal family. Shinner also photographed Prince Louis on his 7th birthday earlier this year, sparking conversations among fans about Kate’s role behind the lens.
Royal Fans Question the Absence of Kate’s Signature Photos
Kate Middleton, known for her deep passion for photography, has previously taken personal charge of capturing her children’s birthday portraits — a tradition admired by many. Over the years, she’s provided intimate, candid glimpses into royal family life, showcasing Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis in warm, natural settings.
However, this year’s photo of Prince George, taken in Norfolk, left followers wondering whether the Princess of Wales is stepping back from that role. One fan commented, “Missing Kate Middleton’s tradition of capturing her kids on their birthdays,” while others echoed the sentiment with messages of support and curiosity.
Kate’s Photography Talent Widely Admired
Kate’s talent with the camera hasn’t gone unnoticed. Renowned royal photographer Samir Hussein previously told Us Weekly that the Princess has a remarkable eye for photography. “You can see from the pictures she takes that she’s better, certainly better than your average person on the streets,” he said, applauding her creative instincts and ability to capture natural, heartfelt moments.
Did Controversy Lead to the Change?
Some royal watchers speculate that Kate’s apparent decision to step back may be linked to the backlash surrounding last year’s edited Mother’s Day photo. The controversy sparked widespread discussion about image manipulation, which may have prompted the Princess to be more cautious about sharing her own work.
Despite the change, fans remain hopeful that Kate will continue to showcase her creative side in the future, especially given the joy and authenticity her photography has brought to royal milestones over the years.
Celebrating Prince George’s Milestone
Prince George’s 12th birthday marks a significant chapter in the life of the young royal, who is second in line to the British throne. The newly released portrait shows him smiling softly while resting on a fence in the countryside — a nod to the grounded and relatable image that William and Kate strive to maintain for their family.
As George moves closer to his teenage years, royal watchers are increasingly interested in how his public role may evolve. Yet, for now, his parents remain committed to offering him a balanced and private upbringing, with carefully curated glimpses into their family life.
Conclusion
While Princess Kate’s absence behind the camera has left a void for many royal fans, the tradition of celebrating her children’s birthdays with heartfelt imagery lives on. Whether she returns to the lens in the future or not, her legacy of personal and intimate royal photography continues to resonate with admirers across the globe.
