‘A public appetite’: Kate Middleton and Prince William set to release new photo on Prince Louis' birthday

LONDON, ENGLAND: Despite the controversy surrounding the Mother’s Day image still fresh, Kate Middleton and Prince William are expected to release a new photograph to mark their children’s birthdays.

Kate Middleton and Prince William 'appreciate the public’s love and affection for their children'

Middleton and her husband are expected to uphold the annual tradition of releasing a new photograph on Prince Louis' birthday, who is turning 6 on April 23, 2024.

“They appreciate the public’s love and affection for their children and know there is a public appetite to see them on their birthdays,” an aide told the Sunday Times.

The royal couple shares three children: Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.

A heartwarming picture of Middleton with her three children was shared last Sunday, March 10. 

However, several major photo agencies then withdrew the snap, the first official shot of Middleton since abdominal surgery in January, over fears it had been “edited at source.”

Kate Middleton 'devastated' as her family photograph triggered a global furor

Following the public outcry and scrutiny by media companies, Middleton had to make a public apology.

In a post on X she wrote, “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C.”

The Princess of Wales was reported to be “devastated” that the sweet photograph had triggered a global furor, and received "kill notices."

Kate Middleton's decision on future photographs and what she wanted to convey from the Mother's Day Photo 

As for future photographs, sources close to the couple say no “firm decision” has been taken yet on whether Middleton will point the camera or leave it to a professional photographer.

A source close to Middleton reported that she wanted to “bring a bit of joy” with what was intended as a reassuring image to thank the public for their support during her recovery from abdominal surgery in January.

Another friend insisted that like anybody, she was just trying to project a polished image that the public had come to expect.

“It’s a photo that she knew everyone would pore over so she pored over it herself — she likes trying to make the family look the best they can,” said the friend.