Kate Middleton protects her family from the paparazzi with this clever trick
Kate Middleton keeps the paparazzi away with this genius camera trick


Kate Middleton’s trick to protect her family from the paparazzi during birthdays and other royal events has been revealed – and it’s a lot simpler than you might think.
- The Duchess of Cambridge has learnt from Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden how to keep paparazzi away on special occasions
- Kate has been harassed by photographers on birthdays in the past
- In other Royal News, Prince Charles has found it hard being separated from his family during lockdown
The Duchess of Cambridge, who will celebrate her 39th birthday tomorrow in lockdown, has come up with a brilliant idea to fend off unwelcome press on special occasions. Rather than shun cameras altogether, Kate has become her own photographer for her family.
The Duchess invites the public into her personal life on her terms, by releasing approved photos to the media on birthdays and anniversaries. This trick promises the best of both worlds, allowing fans a glimpse into the royals’ lives without invading their privacy.
A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@kensingtonroyal)
A photo posted by on
According to royal expert Camilla Tominey, Kate was inspired to take her own photos by Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.
The Scandinavian heiress has been known to tightly control her public image by posting her own pictures and updates on her numerous social media accounts. She reportedly became distrustful of the tabloid press as a teenager, after they published information about her struggles with anorexia nervosa.
Tominey credits Princess Victoria for radically changing the relationship between the royal family and the press. She argues that the release of these candid photographs have ‘killed, stone dead, the market for paparazzi shots’ and empowered the royals to heavily curate their public image.
A post shared by 🇸🇪Crown Princess Victoria 👑 (@princessvictoriaofsweden)
A photo posted by on
This strategy also benefits media outlets, granting them a steady supply of high-resolution images and videos.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
“Why would any newspapers or magazines run grainy long-lens images of the royals in private when they are willing to serve up crystal-clear Instagram shots?” Tominey wrote in the Telegraph last year.
While tomorrow’s party is likely to be a private affair due to the current restrictions, Kate has spent many birthdays in the spotlight. She was swarmed by paparazzi on her 25th birthday, as they desperately tried to get a shot of their future Queen as she exited her home.
Some reportedly chased her car as she drove away, while others flashed their cameras at her through the vehicle's windows. The incident attracted widespread criticism, with many accusing the press of violating the Duchess-to-be’s privacy and causing safety hazards.
We’re just glad Kate now has more control over her image, and we’re more than excited to see what this budding photographer will capture in 2021.

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.
Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.
-
Tight hips? These 4 stretches can help improve your mobility and feel amazing
Stretches for tight hips mean better hip mobility and flexibility. It might not sound like a lot, but these two small adjustments help make daily life easier
By Grace Walsh
-
The most decade defining royal moments of the 80s - from Princess Diana fever, royal births and Queen Elizabeth II's historic firsts
A lot happened in the 80s, and we don't just mean leg warmers and the rise of Madonna
By Jack Slater
-
I’ve been writing about the royals for years - here’s what I predict Kate Middleton will wear at Easter (and what I wish she’d wear instead)
All eyes will be on the Princess of Wales if she attends the Royal Family's Easter Sunday church service for the first time since 2023
By Emma Shacklock
-
Remember when Prince William and Kate Middleton broke royal protocol at Easter? Here's why it's unlikely to happen again
The Royal Family might be taking a more modern approach these days, but there are some traditions and protocols that they still uphold.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Kate Middleton's go-to bag for special occasions is a wedding season essential you'll reach for time and time again
The Princess of Wales always reaches for the same elegant style of bag for formal events and it works beautifully for weddings.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Kate Middleton declares baker boy hats back for 2025 in new Love Actually-esque outfit
The Princess of Wales's signature style is all about timelessness but that doesn’t mean that she never gets on board with trends.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Prince George will start a new school this year and 'smart money' is on Kate and William choosing this one, says royal expert
Prince George only has just over a year left at Lambrook School and Emily Andrews believes there's a top contender for his next one.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Queen Camilla takes note of Kate Middleton's love of polka dots with charming collared number in Rome
If we had to pick the Princess of Wales’s favourite print it would be polka dots and Queen Camilla just emulated her style in Rome.
By Emma Shacklock
-
James Middleton says he 'had three mothers growing up' as he opens up on close-knit family bond
The Princess of Wales’s brother had several 'mothering figures' during his childhood and was 'fortunate' to have this tightknit support system.
By Emma Shacklock
-
What earrings does Kate Middleton wear? The affordable brands she loves and where to buy her pieces
The Princess of Wales gravitates towards certain brands for her everyday earrings and many of them are still available right now.
By Emma Shacklock