Princess Kate Breaks Beloved Birthday Tradition Amid Health Speculation
Royal Fans Question Photographer Switch
A noticeable departure from tradition has royal watchers buzzing as Princess Kate, 43, did not take the official birthday photograph of her son, Prince George, for the first time in years. The image, shared on Prince William and Princess Kate‘s official Instagram account on July 22, prompted disappointment from many who had grown accustomed to the Princess’s personal touch.
Past Photoshop Controversy Looms
The shift away from Princess Kate‘s personal photography for official portraits is reportedly being linked to the controversy surrounding a manipulated Mother’s Day photo last year. Newspapers and royal experts suggest this past incident may have influenced the decision to use a professional photographer, Josh Shinner, for Prince George‘s latest birthday portrait.
“Like many other amateur photographers, it happens that I experiment with editing,” Princess Kate stated previously, apologizing for any confusion caused by the family image shared last year. The Mother’s Day picture, which aimed to update the public on her health following her cancer diagnosis, instead drew significant attention for its apparent editing flaws.
The original Mother’s Day photo faced intense scrutiny, with royal commentators pointing out inconsistencies such as extra fingers and distorted backgrounds. This experience, it is believed, may have made the Princess more cautious about releasing personal images. According to a 2023 report by the National Portrait Gallery, approximately 23% of the public reported altering images they shared online, highlighting a common practice that nonetheless drew significant backlash when associated with the Royal Family.
Health Concerns and Reduced Duties
Beyond the photography controversy, speculation about Princess Kate‘s health is also a factor for some royal fans. The Princess has been undertaking fewer public duties due to her ongoing battle with cancer. While her chemotherapy treatment is reportedly complete, she has spoken candidly about the challenges of recovery.
In a candid interview with People magazine earlier this summer, Princess Kate shared, “You put on some kind of taper mask and show endurance through the treatment. The treatment is complete, and one thinks: ‘Now I can continue and get back to normal’. But the time afterwards is actually really, really difficult.”
This public acknowledgment of her recovery process has led some to believe that adjustments to her royal schedule, including the relinquishing of certain personal traditions like capturing official family photographs, might be permanent. Hello Magazine has noted changes in how the couple releases family images in 2024 and 2025, potentially linked to her health journey.
A Milestone Birthday
Prince George‘s 12th birthday also marks a significant milestone in royal protocol. He and his father, Prince William, can no longer travel together. This is due to a rule designed to protect the line of succession, ensuring that two heirs are not lost simultaneously in an accident.
Royal house expert Ole-Jørgen Schulsrud-Hansen explained the reasoning: “From now on, he can no longer fly with others in the direct succession, which includes his father. It is a grip to ensure that not two joints of the succession disappear at the same time.”
He cited historical examples, such as the death of King Carl Gustaf‘s father, Gustaf Adolf, in a 1947 plane crash, as a reason for such precautions.
