Kate Middleton's birthday portraits praised until March 2024 amid photography passion Princess Kate Middleton has photographed her children's birthday portraits for years, blending her love of photography with royal tradition and family privacy. Princess Kate Middleton, 44, has long balanced royal duties with her passion for photography, personally taking birthday portraits of her three children with Prince William. The tradition, which the couple shares publicly each year, was often met with praise until March 2024. One notable image showed Prince Louis at 12 months old wearing a pint-size rain jacket and boots while playing with a round, orange pumpkin. Kate is credited with snapping the image. Kate explained in 2020 that she learned photography along the way. She said that during lockdown she spent lots of time picking up her camera and taking photos of the children because they are always around during family activities. She said one of the fantastic things about photography is capturing a moment so it is not staged.She noted that the goal is not setting up a perfect studio or clearing the house for a shoot. Instead, it is about capturing moments that feel real to you. In addition to daily life images, Kate has photographed her children's birthday portraits over the years.Kate and the Prince of Wales, 44, are parents to Prince George, 13, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis. A royal commentator said in 2022 that Kate began releasing her own photographs of her children as a way of sharing their progress with the public while maintaining an element of control and privacy for them.The commentator described the images as creating an intimacy the public does not often get and offering a unique perspective. The portraits offer a mother's view to typically formal snapshots, the commentator noted. The approach allows the public in a very intimate way while still protecting the privacy of family life.Each year, William and Kate release a new portrait to mark their children's birthdays, a practice that has become a hallmark of their public communications. The images are credited to Kate, who is recognized for snapping the photographs herself.The family has also tried to give the children a sense of normalcy as they grow up. George recently matriculated at Eton College, a prestigious British boarding school attended by his father and uncle.Kate's photography work has continued alongside her royal engagements. On October 22, she appeared at East Anglia's Children's Hospices in Ipswich, England, where she met with attendees. During the visit, she spoke about her children anticipating their school break.Kate told one attendee that the children may be going somewhere during the break, according to Hello! after meeting her at the hospice. While speaking with another attendee, Kate noted that her children were anticipating their school break and added that she could not wait to have them all home. The comments offered a glimpse into the family's routine amid public duties.Kate's photography has remained a personal thread through her royal role. From informal images of Prince Louis in a rain jacket to the annual birthday portraits, the photos connect the public with the family's milestones. The hobby drew praise for years, and the portraits have become a regular part of how the couple shares their children's progress with the public while keeping an element of privacy.