How the Royal Family is taking a “new approach” to their duties since Princess Kate's return

Kate Middleton and Prince William have shown a laid-back side of the royal family in recent months, as seen in the intimate family moments shared in Princess Wales' September cancer update video. And a warm embrace with 16-year-old cancer patient Liz Hutton during a visit on October 2 has led one royal expert to say that the Welsh couple are taking the royal family in a more modern direction.

Former royal photographer Ian Lloyd told GB News' Martin Dobney that the royal family is “very different from what it used to be” in terms of its connection with the public.

“It shows a new approach to the monarchy,” he noted. 'In previous generations, it was them and us. And now, especially in this cancer case, it is all together.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales invited Hutton, who is battling terminal cancer, to a photo shoot for the decoration, which William was presiding over at Windsor Castle. The royal couple then met privately with the teenager and his family and published two photos of their time together on Instagram.

Of that meeting, Lloyd said, “Kate is both a patient and interested in photography, so there is a bond there. But it's a kind of meeting of equals minds.”

Queen Elizabeth II was clearly of a different generation, but royal commentators spoke of her performing her duties in a more formal manner. She said, “I think the Royal Family is thinking outside the box now. It's a new approach, more relaxed. It is not possible for a deceased queen to hug someone who is ill.”

Lloyd also noted that Prince William had Hutton “take a picture of the Order at Windsor.

The duo also chatted about Prince William's father's night out at the Aston Villa game on October 2, with Drobny calling the crown prince “a regular guy who enjoys playing soccer,” adding, “He's royalty, but he's like a regular Joe.”

Lloyd likened William to his late grandmother, who “went crazy every year” while watching horse races.

“Horse racing unites people, brings them together. It's like a bond between the monarchy and the people.” [At a recent reception at Buckingham Palace, King Charles showed the public a fun side of himself by trying his hand at Samoan dancing. The King also participated in a fun group hug with rugby players last month, proving that he makes his own rules when it comes to royal PDA.