First Official Portrait Of Royal Baby, Prince George, Is Released; Photograph Taken By Kate Middleton’s Father

In a significant break from the royal tradition of illustrious portraits, Kate Middleton and Prince William decided to use a photograph from their personal album as the first official portrait of their son, George Alexander Louis.

Two photographs, taken by Michael Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge’s father, were released by Kensington Palace on Tuesday, and they were taken in the garden of the Middleton family home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, Kensington Palace said in a statement.

While one photograph shows the smiling couple standing in the garden with a sleeping Prince George bundled in a white blanket, the other portrait includes Tilly the retriever, a Middleton family pet, and Lupo, the couple's cocker spaniel.

Experts have been quick to point out that the finished product is technically poor, as it is shot into the light. But, Brian Aris, a British celebrity photographer told the Daily Mail that the snaps were refreshing.

“It’s an unusual decision but perhaps reflects the young approach that Prince William wants to bring to bear. The decision to take them in such an informal manner means they, perhaps, lack the level of gravitas that would normally be expected. But on the whole I would say this is quite refreshing,” Aris told the Daily Mail, adding that taking the portrait of a young baby is an intrusive process.

“So perhaps they have had the right idea after all. It’s just a different approach and the images are rather charming.”

According to UK’s Mirror, a professional photograph of Prince George will be taken during his christening, which will happen sometime in October after Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip return from their vacation in Balmoral, Scotland.