Why Prince William and Kate Middleton’s new unseen photo with the Queen and Prince Philip makes history

Prince George and Princess Charlotte look especially cute in this family snap!

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge accompanied by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge meets Ireland's Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and his partner Matthew Barrett on March 03, 2020 in Dublin, Ireland
(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

Prince William and Kate Middleton appear alongside Prince George and Princess Charlotte in an adorable unseen photo with the Queen and Prince Philip - and it makes history for one special reason.

Prince William and Kate Middleton have shared a new heartwarming unseen photo ahead of Prince Philip’s funeral on Saturday, April 17th. Earlier this week, the royal couple shared a previously unseen photograph of Prince Philip and their eldest son Prince George in a wonderful tribute. 

Now they have given royal fans another deeply personal insight into their family with another sweet snapshot, taken at the Queen’s Scottish home, Balmoral

In it, William and Kate can be seen alongside the Queen and Prince Philip, with Kate proudly holding little Princess Charlotte in her arms and William and George holding hands. 

And for eagle-eyed royal fans, things become even more adorable when you notice that Charlotte’s head is turned towards the Queen, who appears to be beaming back directly at her great-granddaughter.

The caption declared: ‘Today we share, along with Members of @theroyalfamily, photographs of The Duke of Edinburgh, remembering him as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.’

More from woman&home:

  • Best pillow - for a comfortable, pain-free night’s sleep whether you’re a back, side or stomach snoozer
  • Best blenders - make smoothies, soups, sauces and desserts with blenders for every budget
  • Best air purifiers – improve air quality in your home with our pick of the top models

The caption also revealed that this touching photo was taken back in 2015 at Balmoral, before William and Kate's youngest child Prince Louis was born. 

Whilst the exact date of the photo has not been shared, given that Charlotte was born on May 2 that year and the Queen traditionally visits Balmoral in the summer, it is likely that it was taken in the summer months.

Why does Prince William and Kate Middleton’s photo make history?

Already significant due to the wonderful way it captures a candid family moment, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s photo also makes history.

Although the Cambridge children have visited the Queen and Prince Philip at Balmoral on multiple occasions, this particular photo reportedly marks the first time that they have been officially photographed whilst in Scotland. 

Having first met at the University of St Andrews, visits to Scotland are likely very meaningful for William and Kate, just as the Queen is believed to consider Balmoral one of her favorite places in the world.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh with their children, Prince Andrew (centre), Princess Anne (left) and Charles, Prince of Wales sitting on a picnic rug outside Balmoral Castle in Scotland

(Image credit: Keystone / Stringer via Getty)

The Cambridges have their own residence on the Balmoral Estate - a three-bedroom cottage called Tam-Na-Ghar. But it is incredibly private and no pictures have been released of them there.

The Cambridge children will not be attending their great-grandfather’s funeral on Saturday, April 17. However, this new photo is a heartwarming way for William and Kate to celebrate Prince Philip's memory. 

The couple have celebrated not only their relationship with the Queen and Prince Philip, but George and Charlotte’s relationship with them too.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include 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 next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!