The first official photographs to be released of Prince George could be taken by his mother Kate Middleton herself, or another member of the Duchess' family, according to reports.Kate, who is married to Prince William, is said to be sifting through snaps that the couple have taken at the Middletons' Berkshire home where Kate is currently staying.
As a keen amateur photographer herself, the Duchess is reportedly eager to use images from her personal collection, which would break with royal tradition of using a commissioned official photographer.
"Kate has a great eye for pictures and wants the first official ones of George to be natural and in a relaxed environment," an insider told Grazia.
The first-time mother is also said to be keen to not disrupt her three-week-old baby's routine.The photos could be released as early as next week, the source revealed, and in another modern twist from tradition, could be published in a tweet from Kensington Palace.If the couple do decide to stick to tradition, famed photographer Hugo Burnand, who took Prince William and Kate's wedding photos, could be the top contender. Mario Testino is another likely possibility as he took the couple's official engagement shots and worked with Princess Diana for her Vanity Fair shoot in 1997.
While Kate and Prince George are residing in Berkshire, Prince William has had to travel back to Anglesey where he is stationed as a Royal Air Force search and rescue pilot, now that his two-week paternity leave is over.
Kate will join her husband with their newborn "at some point" over the coming weeks so that proud William can introduce his son to his colleagues. The family will then travel to Balmoral where the Queen and Prince Philip are holidaying, and the Duke of Edinburgh will meet his great-grandson for the first time.
Prince William and Kate have already proved to be modern parents. The couple have broken with royal protocol before, when Kate's parents, Michael and Carole, were the first visitors to see Prince George at the hospital, as opposed to members of the royal family.
It is also speculated that Kate may hire a part-time nanny and not full-time help as is customary with the raising of royal children, as she was never brought up by one herself.