Royal Baby Photos Of George Alexander Louis To Be Released On Social Media Next Week

The world already caught a glimpse of the royal baby last month when new parents Kate Middleton and Prince William debuted their newborn on the stairs of St. Mary’s Hospital in London. But the Palace said up-close family photos of the infant will be released next week.

Rather than sharing professional baby photos of baby George with the public, a palace aide told The Daily Mirror, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, both 31, plan to post private pictures taken at home rather than images from a top photographer.

“One of the options they are looking at is releasing a couple of family photos they have taken themselves," a royal aide told the Daily Mirror. “Kate has a great eye for pictures and wants the first official ones of George to be natural and in a relaxed environment."

People.com reported that the photos will be distributed on social media outlets Facebook and Twitter (@ClarenceHouse) as well as on the couple's website. In the past, these types of images have only been released in accordance with the official palace tradition. "The whole point of these photos is that as many people have access to them who need to and we will find the easiest way of doing that," a palace source told People.

The Daily Mirror said the photos will be home-taken images snapped by the Duchess herself at the Middleton family residence, where the new mom and baby have been staying. People reported Will has already returned to North Wales to his position as a Royal Air Force search and rescue helicopter pilot while Kate and George stay in Bucklebury.

The move to release “homemade,” if you will, photos of baby George is a surprising move for the royal couple, who were photographed by famed photographer Mario Testino for their engagement announcement. The Mirror noted that it is tradition for royals in Britain to use professional photographers for major events such as engagements or babies.

Middleton gave birth naturally to a healthy baby boy, weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces, on July 22. A day later, crowds gathered to see the Duke and Duchess carrying their new child and presenting him on the stairs of the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital in London. The happy couple smiled as they greeted the media, holding their newborn son -- who at the time was not yet named -- wrapped in a blanket.

Two days after the royal baby was born, Buckingham Palace announced the name: George Alexander Louis. The baby's official title is His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge.