Royal family: Kate Middleton breaks tradition in latest heartfelt post for Father’s Day

The Wales children have paid a touching tribute to their father, Prince William, in honour of Father’s Day, affectionately referring to him as “Papa.”

However, in a departure from tradition, the Father’s Day portrait was not taken by Kate Middleton, who is known for capturing many of the family’s most personal moments.

Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, gathered closely around their father as they posed together for photographs that were shared on Instagram.

One of the photos captures the royal children, dressed in coordinated dark green outfits, smiling at the camera as the Prince of Wales gently rests his hands around their shoulders.

In another, more spontaneous shot, the children were piled on top of their father in a playful hug, laughing as they played together in a garden.

“Happy Father’s Day, Papa (before and after!), We love you! G, C & L,” the caption read.

Josh Shinner, a regular royal family photographer, took both images on this occasion, sparking curiosity among royal watchers about why the Princess of Wales, who has long been known for capturing many of the family’s intimate moments, did not take the photos this time.

Last year, the Princess shared one of her own photographs for Father’s Day, capturing Prince William with George, Charlotte, and Louis on the Norfolk coast.

It marked the first time a message from all three children appeared on the royal family’s social media accounts, a heartfelt tribute to their father that resonated deeply with fans.

“Crying what a beautiful photo taken by Catherine,” one person wrote in the comment section of the post.

Another said, “What a beautiful picture taken by our talented Princess of Wales!! And the message from the kids is adorable.”