US 2012: Private Photos Reveal 'non-Robotic' Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney's campaign team appears to have undertaken a huge push to rectify the candidate's "robotic" persona amongst potential voters.

From the very start of the Republican presidential contest last year, Romney has positioned himself as the most disciplined, best prepared and most reliable of the candidates.

But he has run such a highly professional campaign he has been repeatedly lambasted by sections of the media for his robotic stump speech and precise responses to criticism.

Romney's picture-perfect family and his difficulties in engaging with supporters are deeply rooted in the religious culture that shapes much of Mormonism. Nevertheless, the candidate received a boost this week with the publication of a number of photos that appear to demonstrate a private side to the former Massachusetts Governor, seldom glimpsed before.

Buzzfeed has unearthed a number of photos published by Romney's daughter-in-law, Mary, that has garnered significant attention in the last week. The International Business Times UK takes a look behind closed doors.

Family lore has it that Mitt and Ann met in elementary school when he was a Cub Scout. On their first date they went to see the Sound of Music. The year was 1965, three months later Mitt asked Ann to marry him.

Romney holding a copy of what Mormons refer to as the “quadruple combination”, a book that contains the King James Bible, the Book of Mormon and other books of Latter Day Saints scripture.

Mitt and Ann with son Craig Romney and his wife Mary. Craig is Mitt’s youngest son and graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 with a major in communications. Him and Mary live in New York with their son.

In January, Romney told a New Hampshire audience he wanted to leave all of his estimated $250 million estate to his grandkids.

Mitt and Ann have five sons and 17 grandchildren.

Romney and grandchild

Mitt and son Josh captured on holiday.

Romney in the yard.

Romney relaxes away from the campaign trail.