Prince William’s birthday post is a welcome change for the royal family

“I think it’s a really fun photo that shows a lot more personality than we normally see from William,” she said. “I love the joyful energy and the fact that everyone feels alive and in motion.”

However, Meinzer also said it “would have been nice to see a photo that also included Kate.”

Kensington Palace has not released a new photo of William and Kate together in 2024, though they were photographed at Trooping the Colour.

“After all, birthdays are about celebrating life, and his life isn’t just about fatherhood; it’s also about being a husband,” Meinzer said.

But Schiffer said presenting William as a parent first and foremost may be better long-term.

It’s a strong move to paint William as a dutiful father

By intentionally posting a photo of William with just his children, Kate and William are sending a message that he is a father first — a father who is capable of stepping up for his children while their mother focuses on her health.

“I think it also highlights the fact that Kate doesn’t have to do it all,” Schiffer said.

“William can step up and be a dad and allow her to also have time for managing her health challenges, which is a mature message and will create even more connection with audiences,” he said.

“This highlights the fact that Kate has a partner who is a strong father and can keep the family uplifted and united,” he added.

Likewise, many members of the public may find William relatable as a father and leader in his family, which makes him seem like a future king “with a heart who cares, who is going to have his partner’s back and will do the same for the country,” Schiffer said.

Kate shared an update on her health on June 14, saying that she will be undergoing chemotherapy for a few more months but that she hopes to attend a handful of royal engagements over the summer.

Although William will continue to represent his family in person alone for a few more months, Kate’s latest photo helps establish him as a normal, doting father who is more than prepared to protect the Wales brand until his wife returns to share the burden with him.