The new photograph of Prince George, taken by his mother Princess Kate Middleton to mark his 11th birthday, is in black and white for a hugely significant reason.

After the reveal of the official photograph on Monday, former royal photographer Ian Pelham-Turner explains that black and white photography is Kate’s preferred style due to its trendiness and stylish nature.

Kate, who trained in photography at Kensington and Chelsea Art College, chooses black and white photography for its stark contrast to color images.

Pelham-Turner reveals that Kate follows a tradition of royal photographers by using this medium to create nostalgic and symbolic imagery, keeping the Royal Family in the public eye.

Kate has a passion for photography

It is clear that Kate Middleton has a passion for the art of photography.

“She loves taking photographs, it’s one of her biggest hobbies. She is a good photographer and has created some very interesting images in the past,” Ian declared.

“Black and white images are starker and more focused, avoiding the distractions color can bring. This method aligns with her training, which often starts with film cameras and progresses to black and white photography.”

Ian further explains that the black and white photograph might be a nod to nostalgia, resembling images of the former queen.

“Wishing Prince George a very happy 11th birthday today!” shows the future King looking smart and grown up, dressed in an open-necked white shirt and dark blazer, wearing a friendship bracelet.

Continuing a Royal tradition

Ian, who has photographed Prince George’s father William and his uncle Harry since birth, notes that black and white photography has long been preferred by the Royal Family.

“When I was a commissioned royal photographer, they loved black and white photography. I took William’s first Christmas baby shoot with Charles and Diana, and most of it was done in black and white because it was trendy then.”