Kate Middleton made a departure from long-standing royal customs by unveiling a photograph of her son, Prince George, on his 10th birthday in July 2023.

Unlike previous years where she personally captured the birthday moments, this time a professional photographer, Millie Pilkington, was behind the lens.

The charming image features the young prince seated on the steps of Windsor Castle, his arms folded on his knees.

Typically, Kate, known for her photography skills, would take a new snapshot of her children annually to commemorate their birthdays.

However, for Prince George’s latest milestone, the task was entrusted to Pilkington.

Last year, on George’s 9th birthday, Kate had snapped a cheerful photo of him at the beach, exuding joy in front of the camera.

In a nod to Prince Philip, the late husband of Queen Elizabeth, the photo from George’s 9th birthday showcased him perched on a Land Rover’s bonnet, sporting a blue polo shirt with orange stripes.

During the lockdown period, when George turned 7, the royal family retreated to their Norfolk country abode.

On that occasion, two green-themed photos of the young prince were released to the public.

Not limited to Prince George, the Princess of Wales also engaged Pilkington to capture Princess Charlotte’s 8th birthday photo.

The endearing image portrayed the princess embracing her black spaniel, Orla, in a serene Windsor park setting.

However, a recent photo featuring the princess alongside her three children, circulated before Mother’s Day, raised eyebrows globally.

The controversial image was swiftly retracted by photo agencies after suspicions arose regarding potential alterations.

In a candid admission, the future queen acknowledged manipulating the photo herself, leading to a brief moment of confusion.

Subsequently, she expressed regret over the misunderstanding and issued a clarification via a tweet, ensuring transparency amidst the unexpected turn of events.