The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released four gorgeous new images of Princess Charlotte last night ahead of the little girl’s first birthday today.
But as well as offering a tantalising glimpse of how a little-seen member of the royal family is growing up, the shots also revealed, or rather confirmed, something very refreshing about the Cambridges – despite their royal status, they are desperately trying to give their kids a “normal” childhood.
Like previous shots of Charlotte and her big brother Prince George, the latest images were snapped by Kate herself – which is remarkable given the long list of big-name professionals who would line up for the job. It also marks a departure from royal portraits of the past, which were always taken by famous and often aristocratic snappers.
William and Kate are also believed to be unwilling to put their children through long and gruelling shoots with strangers, preferring to capture them at home in the presence of family members.
The shots have also given us the chance to see how Kate’s photographic hobby has developed and flourished over the years. The Duchess has always had a keen interest in photography but her latest public effort – taken with her new professional standard camera – is close to perfect in lighting, composition and feel.
The haven of Amner Hall in Norfolk has allowed Kate to develop her passion and raise her children in relative privacy – we only hope they are allowed to continue to do so when they eventually return to live in London’s Kensington Palace.
Loving mum Kate shot the adorable new snaps.
Princess Charlotte has grown A LOT since her last portraits.
One shot, taken outside the family’s Norfolk country home, showed she is already an adept walker.
Pretty in pink!
Doesn’t she look gorgeous?
These portraits, however, are not Charlotte’s first! Here she is with big brother, George, in these pictures taken by her mother.
How sweet!
From these pictures, it’s clear that Charlotte has inherited her father’s big blue eyes!
The siblings were in matching cream and blue.
Charlotte when she was just hour old.
The new parents introducing their little princess to the world.
Princess Charlotte of Cambridge celebrates her first birthday
