In a recent interview with The Cut, the Duchess of Sussex shared her poignant reasoning behind the limited number of photos she releases of her young children, Archie and Lilibet.
Her reflections reveal a deeply personal motivation rooted in her experiences with the media and the royal family’s expectations.
During the conversation, the Duchess shed light on the stringent regulations imposed by the Royal Rota, which dictate how members of the royal family share images of their children.
She explained that there exists an established protocol whereby any photos intended for public release must first be submitted to the UK media pool, often referred to as the Royal Rota.
This arrangement has left her feeling uneasy, especially when considering the implications for her children’s privacy.
The Princess of Wales echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the structured nature of this process.
She noted that it can feel like a game where the stakes are alarmingly high, particularly when it comes to the well-being of their children.
For the Duchess, the thought of sharing a photo of her children with those who have perpetuated negative narratives about her is incomprehensible.
Reflecting on her own experiences, the Duchess recounted the harsh realities of tabloid coverage, which often included derogatory language directed at her.
“I don’t see the value in sharing images with those who have shown nothing but hostility towards us,” she stated, highlighting her protective instincts as a mother.
This sentiment underscores her commitment to safeguarding her children from the very media that has been less than kind to her.
Since relocating to California and settling into her $14 million estate in Santa Barbara, the Duchess has noted a significant shift in her family’s day-to-day life.
Gone are the days of navigating school drop-offs and pickups amid throngs of paparazzi.
Instead, she now enjoys a semblance of normalcy, free from the intrusive lens of the press that once loomed large over her family in the UK.
This newfound privacy has allowed her to embrace her role as a parent more fully.
“I can handle school runs without a press pen of 40 people snapping pictures,” she remarked, expressing relief at the change.
Her commitment to privacy remains steadfast, and she sees it as essential to being a good parent.