London--When Prince William and his wife Kate emerge from hospital cradling Britain's new royal baby for the cameras, the picture will be on the front of newspapers worldwide. But don't expect many photographs after that.
The second in line to the throne and his wife have fought hard for the right to bring up their family in private, despite being one of the most famous couples in the world.
Their first child, Prince George, is approaching his second birthday but has only appeared in public a few times -- outside the hospital when he was born in 2013, at his christening and on a tour of Australia and New Zealand last year.
The media are generally prepared to accept such scarce appearances by George and the new baby, expected this month.
"People have quite an outdated view of the British royal press pack," said Richard Palmer, royal correspondent for Britain's Daily Express newspaper.
"I think they still think we're hiding in hedgerows and doing things that people did 25 years ago.
"But the reality is the British press is pretty respectful to the royal family at the moment -- some might say it's a bit cowed."
"Readers don't want you to go too far," added Simon Perry, chief foreign correspondent of US celebrity magazine People.
"I don't think there is an appetite for people to be pursued or intruded upon in an excessive way."
AFP
