Advertisement

Princess of Wales climbs tree in new family photo celebrating Mother’s Day

Princess of Wales with her children - Matt Porteus/Kensington Palace
Princess of Wales with her children - Matt Porteus/Kensington Palace

The Princess of Wales has shown the joys of tree climbing by releasing a family portrait of herself with Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte sitting in the branches of a tree.

The photographs were shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media accounts on Sunday morning to mark Mother’s Day.

A second photograph shows the Princess holding Prince Louis playfully in the garden. The pictures were shared with the message: “Happy Mother’s Day from our family to yours.”

Many parks prohibit tree climbing, and one council in London previously came under fire for threatening to fine people hundreds of pounds in an attempt to clamp down on children clambering up branches in recent years.

Regulations for the eight Royal Parks in the capital state that trees should not be climbed or interfered with without written permission.

Princess Kate and Prince Louis - Matt Porteus/Kensington Palace
Princess Kate and Prince Louis - Matt Porteus/Kensington Palace

Amanda Spielman, Ofsted chief, has previously weighed in on the tree-climbing debate, encouraging nurseries and schools to allow children to have a “proper” childhood, uninhibited by obsessive health and safety regulations that she said stifle development.

Her remarks came after teachers were reported to have removed playing equipment and trees from playgrounds, amid fears they would lose marks for “safeguarding” in Ofsted inspections.

But the images of the Princess and her smiling children, captured by Royal Family and environmental photographer Matt Porteous, show the benefits of the outdoors.

The Princess takes a particular interest in early-years children, highlighting the importance of physical, emotional and cognitive development during the first five years of a child’s life.

Earlier this year, she launched a campaign called Shaping Us, highlighting the impact this crucial period can have on adulthood.

King Charles also wrote a poignant message celebrating all mothers on the first Mother’s Day since the late Queen’s death.

The King shared two images on social media: one of himself as a beaming baby standing on the Queen’s lap; while, in another, adult Camilla is seen smiling as she stands behind her elderly mother.

The Twitter post is accompanied by the message: “To all mothers everywhere, and to those who may be missing their mums today, we are thinking of you and wishing you a special #MothersDay.”