Prince George and the royal revolution

Today’s photoshoot is a break with tradition which indicates William and Kate’s relaxed approach to bringing up George
9 April 2014

Some may compare the charming photographs of baby Prince George crawling to those taken of his father 31 years ago. They were both touching in their own way.

But there is a distinct difference. The shots of William as a baby — nicknamed Wombat by his mother and father — were exclusive. There was no interaction with other children. It was very much an “us and them” scene back in 1983. Access was restricted and there was not a member of the public in sight.

It was lovely too, but George, a baby descended from coalminers as well as kings, will be a monarch of a very different time. He will have to be a prince of the people if the monarchy is to have a global influence in the wider realms.

And if the monarchal system is going to be relevant to a modern generation — particularly in Commonwealth Realms such as New Zealand and Australia where there are strong Republican movements — the principal players will have to adapt to modern times and modern demands.

Prince George - in pictures

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I think today’s photocall is a brave and bold statement by William and Kate. There is nothing precious about them as a couple. They are confident enough to share George in a public situation — albeit with parents and babies vetted in advance.

Kate’s face lights up like any new mother’s when she plays with her son.The photographs really do paint a picture of happiness. But what I believe is significant about today is that — like Princess Diana did — Kate and William are clearly showing that they want their son to mix with other people from all walks of life. That can only be a good thing.

It will, in time, give this special baby born to a life of duty and privilege a grounding he will need and that his parents both enjoyed. George seems a cheerful little baby. He is happy to interact and play. He is not fazed by the media attention he is getting.

The royal aides organising this tour Down Under also deserve some credit for that. This tour had to be handled with care.

They, like William and Kate, knew this visit — initially at least — would be all about George.

The travelling media (450 journalists have been accredited for this tour) have got their snaps and TV footage. William, who guards his family’s privacy jealously, has given them what they wanted.

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Now the shutters will come down until this new royal family touches down in Sydney in a few days’ time.

The couple will now get on with the diplomatic job they came here to do, representing The Queen.

But there is no doubt that baby George’s touching cameo role has done the monarchist cause in New Zealand and Australia no harm at all.

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