PRINCE William and Kate Middleton are arguably one of the most photographed couples in the UK.
However, the Prince and Princess of Wales have adopted a “smart” privacy power move, which enables them to keep as much of their family life as private as possible.
Since 2014, Kate has been sharing beautiful shots of her children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, for milestone events like birthdays.
According to royal photographer Samir Hussein, this is a clever tool used by the popular couple.
He explained to : “It’s really smart of Kate and William to provide images of their children in this way, because it satisfies the huge public interest in their lives, while allowing them the privacy they need.
“What we get with Kate taking the pictures compared to an outside photographer is a real sense of intimacy.
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“Children are most comfortable with the people they know, and as a result, she can capture what others would never be able to.”
Budding amateur photographer Kate has given fans a unique glimpse into their family life for occasions like first days at school - and it means the family can choose what the public see.
Kate’s photography skills are said to have been encouraged by the late Queen.
Samir, who also worked with the Queen, added: “She really appreciated and understood the power of photography.
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"She recognised how it can shape people’s view of you. She would always help us photographers get a good picture of her.”
The royals have previously released images taken by a family member, including shots by Lord Snowdon, who married the Queen’s younger sister Princess Margaret in 1960.
Some of his most beloved photos include the late Princess Diana’s official engagement portrait, and a shot of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip for their diamond wedding anniversary postage stamp.
The Princess of Wales, 42, is "recovering well" at home after her planned abdominal surgery on January 16.
Kate spent 13 days recovering at the private London Clinic before heading home - and she is unlikely to be seen carrying out any frontline duties until after Easter.
In a clear sign of her improvement, the Princess joined William and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on a half-term trip holiday on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
It’s really smart of Kate and William to provide images of their children in this way, because it satisfies the huge public interest in their lives, while allowing them the privacy they need
Samir Hussein
The King is also recovering in Norfolk following his cancer diagnosis.
The monarch was admitted to The London Clinic on January 26 to undergo the operation and his stay was extended by 24 hours.
As the news broke, Prince Harry jetted 5,000 miles to be by his father’s side, and saw him for a 30-minute meeting, before flying home.
A "separate issue of concern was noted" during his corrective prostate surgery - and further tests revealed the presence of cancer.
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In their statement a Palace spokesman stated: "Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer."
In the meantime, Prince William and Queen Camilla have taken the lead and stepped up to help with royal duties.
The Sun's Arthur Edwards on photographing the royals
The Sun’s Royal photographer Arhur Edwards has been snapping the royal family for nearly 50 years.
Writing about the unique experience, he said: “I have photographed seven royal weddings, five funerals and seven regal babies.
“I have travelled with Charles all over the world and I have come to understand and respect him.
"We have spent so long together we are like old companions. He calls me Arthur, I call him Your Majesty.
"I was the first member of the world’s press to speak to him when, on the death of his beloved mother, he became King.
"The King is my hero. Seeing him finally wearing the crown he so richly deserves will make me so happy for him — and our nation."