This undated image made available in London by the Middleton Family shows Kate Middleton, age 5. Five images from the Middleton family album have been made available as Kate Middleton and Britain’s Prince William move toward their wedding on April 29, at London’s Westminster Abbey. (AP Photo/The Middleton Family)LONDON – It’s impossible not to like the new childhood pictures of Kate Middleton – and that’s just how Buckingham Palace wants it.
Whether she is frolicking outdoors at age 3, flashing a winning smile at five, hugging a jubilant boyfriend – Prince William – on their joint graduation day, Britain’s future queen is an irresistible lassie.
Thousands of newspapers, TV stations and websites around the world immediately flashed the pictures moments after they appeared Monday on the official royal wedding site set up by Prince Charles’ press team. You couldn’t miss them even if you tried.
In times gone by, monarchs rose or fell on the strength of their armies and navies, but today – when constitutional monarchies like the House of Windsor depend on public goodwill – they need positive press coverage to build support with the masses.
Enter Operation Kate – the release of adorable family photos to an image-hungry global press corps. It’s part of a sophisticated effort by the royal family to generate favorable coverage about the big event – and experts say so far it’s working.