It will be a challenge for Prince William and Kate to balance the media interest in the future head of state with the desire to protect the privacy of their child.

Prince William did not like the attention he got at a young age. He hid behind his blond fringe whenever possible.

The harassment of the paparazzi frequently targeted his mother. He was just 15 when Diana was killed in a Paris car crash while being pursued by the paparazzi. This seemed to harden his view of the media even more.

Kate, too, has experienced first-hand how the media intrudes in their personal lives that comes with being a member of the royal family. She was photographed topless while on a break with Prince William in France.

Prince William's childhood at Kensington Palace involved some daring days out incognito. There were trips to WH Smiths, with Prince William and his brother wearing caps and Diana in a wig and sunglasses. Sometimes, they managed to slip unnoticed into the local Odeon cinema or to venture into McDonald's in disguise. Princess D also took them on private visits to Centrepoint in central London to see for themselves the situation of the homeless people. These are just some of the valuable experiences the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will probably want to replicate with their own child.

The couple may well decide to choose Ammer Hall as their main residence, which would get them away from prying eyes. As always, royal protection officers will always be close by.