How Kate 'took control' of kids after seeing William's 'damaged' childhood

Behind Kate Middleton’s famous family portraits is a clever tactic to protect her family.

According to Channel 5’s 2024 documentary Kate: A Queen for the Future, the Princess of Wales took the “unprecedented” step of becoming the unofficial royal photographer after seeing the toll media scrutiny took on Prince William growing up.

“She’s seen firsthand through her husband… the damage that the press has done to his life,” journalist Afua Hagan explains in the documentary. “She’s realised that if she can do something about that, if she can take control, then she should do that.”

By personally capturing and releasing images of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, Kate offers the public a glimpse on her own terms.

“Kate did something which was unprecedented… She decided she was going to be the one to photograph her own children,” Hagan adds.

It’s a rare level of control in royal life, one that has allowed Princess Kate to shield her family from relentless media intrusion.

And fans love the results — from candid birthday shots, like Charlotte’s recent 10th, to playful moments of William with the kids in Norfolk.

A skilled photographer in her own right, Kate also launched the Hold Still project during the pandemic and serves as patron of the Royal Photographic Society.