Kate Middleton's father Michael had the 'perfect solution' to protect her after birth of Prince George

The Princess of Wales's father made a special decision that helped protect Kate after she welcomed Prince George in 2013

Kate Middleton and Michael Middleton
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Welcoming your first child into the world is a life-changing experience for anyone, but for Prince William and Kate Middleton, they had the added pressure of the world watching them when they welcomed Prince George in 2013.

Fortunately for the Princess of Wales, she still had her dad protecting her, with Michael Middleton coming up with the perfect gesture to protect his daughter and grandson.

The proud new parents gave fans a glimpse of their son outside St Mary’s Hospital amid mass excitement and speculation over his name. After leaving the hospital with their newborn son the Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to have spent several weeks at the home of Michael and Carole Middleton.

Whilst at Bucklebury Manor, it’s been suggested that Kate was protected by her dad whose special gesture was so heart-warming.

Although the pictures taken on the steps of the hospital were the first ones of Prince George, the first official photos of him released by Kate and Prince William were taken by Michael. It’s said that he put forward the idea of taking them himself and ensured things weren’t too stressful or overwhelming for his daughter.

Prince William, Kate and Prince George at St Mary's Hospital

(Image credit: Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

Kate: The Future Queen by Katie Nicholl | $6.43 at Amazon

Kate: The Future Queen by Katie Nicholl | $6.43 at Amazon

Published in 2013, this fascinating biography was written by Vanity Fair's Royal Correspondent Katie Nicholl and delves into the life of the Princess of Wales. It features insightful facts and commentary about Kate's life, including her early years and romance with Prince William.

Fans were eager to see pictures of Prince George and a family friend previously claimed to the Daily Mail that “Michael had the perfect solution”.

“He proposed that he would take the photo himself: organize a stress-free photoshoot in the garden and save them the bother of getting in a photographer who would take ages. It meant the nervous new parents could stop any time they wanted,” they alleged.

The sweet family snaps showed Prince George in Kate’s arms, with Prince William next to her in Michael and Carole Middleton’s garden. In the picture taken of them sitting down on the grass, the Wales’s late dog, Lupo, was also seen, as was the Middleton family’s retriever Tilly. Kensington Palace released the photos four weeks after Prince George’s birth and it was such a protective gesture from Michael to offer to take them himself.

Michael Middleton and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend day 13 of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships

(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

This meant that the Prince and Princess of Wales had more privacy with their newborn and didn’t have to worry about organizational matters or inviting someone else into their space. They looked happy and relaxed in the pictures and taking them at Kate’s family home with their pets around them gave the snaps a personal feel.

This is something the Princess of Wales has emulated when it comes to taking pictures of Prince George, Charlotte and Louis for their birthdays - as she recently did for Princess Charlotte's 10th birthday. She’s often behind the camera, making the process more natural and comfortable. As they grow up, Prince George, Charlotte and Louis are understood to be very close to Michael and Carole Middleton and Kate has been inspired by their parenting approach too.

Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton arrive at Westminster Abbey for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla

(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

Royal expert Duncan Larcombe previously stated to OK! that the future King and Queen want to have a similar relationship with their kids as Kate has with Carole and Michael.

“William has based his children's upbringing on the Middleton model - three children, affluent, but hardworking parents and lots of love in the house,” Duncan alleged. "By the time Kate was in her early twenties, she counted her mother and father on the list of her best friends. That’s what William and Kate are aspiring to with their children, but they also have to drip-feed George, and to some extent Charlotte and Louis, into the public domain.”

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!