Royal media machine keeps tight control over Prince George's privacy
Buckingham Palace faces dilemma of protecting its privacy while keeping the press on message as it tries to keep pace with 21st century
The British monarchy's media machine has handled the birth of the royal baby smoothly but huge challenges lie ahead to protect young Prince George's privacy. The frenzy that erupted when Prince William and his wife, Kate, gave journalists a glimpse of the boy on Tuesday was just a taste of the lifetime of media attention that awaits the future king.
The frenzy that erupted when Prince William and his wife, Kate, gave journalists a glimpse of the boy on Tuesday was just a taste of the lifetime of media attention that awaits the future king.
Buckingham Palace faces a dilemma as it balances the need for privacy with its use of a photogenic new generation of royals to secure the future of an ancient institution in the modern world.
Patrick Jephson, former chief of staff to William's late mother Diana, said the palace had handled the royal birth well so far.
"My impression is that this was a relatively straightforward royal operation which the palace machine handled with its usual smooth efficiency," he said.