How Kate Middleton and Prince William's new photo with Prince George, Charlotte and Louis shields them from royal 'circus'
They took a previously-unshared snap after the Princess completed the Three Peaks Challenge and the details speak volumes
The Prince and Princess of Wales often like taking a range of photos to mark special moments and holding some back to share later. This is what they did when Kate completed the National Three Peaks Challenge in the summer and we've now been treated to another family portrait in honour of Mountain Rescue Awareness Day.
The royal couple and their children got to meet local mountain rescue teams and thank them in person for all the work they do to help keep walkers and climbers safe all year round. They all posed for the picture which was shared alongside a heartfelt message from Kate and William.
This is the first photo of George since he started at Eton and although it looks relatively candid, there are clues that suggest otherwise. The Prince and Princess of Wales's way of presenting their children to the world is thought-out - and for a good reason.
Even if you only quickly glance at the picture you'll notice how coordinated Prince George, Charlotte and Louis are. The Princess and her younger brother are dressed in navy jumpers and Adidas trainers, though there are tie-ins with George's outfit too.
His Gola trainers have a similar rubber sole and although his knit is grey, it's got a button-up style like Louis's does. All three Wales kids are also wearing straight leg jeans in the same mid-blue wash, creating a sense of cohesion between them that photographs beautifully.
Perhaps George, Charlotte and Louis did naturally gravitate towards these pieces and the coordination was a happy coincidence. However, since plenty of photos were taken I think it's more likely that thought went into how the family would look together.
Writing in her new book, Catherine & Diana, royal expert Ingrid Seward suggests the future Queen is particularly focused on shielding her kids from the media attention William once faced.
"In return for photographers allowing the children a measure of privacy, the Waleses have ensured that images of George, Charlotte and Louis are released on a regular, predictable basis, but always on their terms, and always when and how Catherine chooses to showcase them," she says, adding, "The difference now is that Catherine controls the lens herself, or whatever professional she might allow."
Ingrid went on to remark, "The resultant photographs are her way of presenting the children as she wants them to be seen, unthreatened by the circus that once engulfed their father."
She also reflected upon how traditionally the children were dressed when they were younger, claiming that this choice served as a "reminder that these are small children, not public property". Perhaps there is still something they consider when George, Charlotte and Louis are dressing for occasions when William and Kate know they're going to be photographed.
Each picture of the family we see is carefully thought-out, even if it is more low-key, and this makes sense if the Prince and Princess of Wales are wanting to protect their kids from public scrutiny and not reveal too much. That's not to say that snaps like the new one don't come across as relaxed, just a bit more measured.
After all, it is technically an official photo posted as part of Kate and William's work, as they thanked everyone in the mountain rescue community for their "unwavering commitment, courage and service".
