Some people appear to be living in the past when glamour was the order of the day. We live in a much more casual world. People no longer dress up to take a flight, in a lot of work places the dress code is "business casual," people rarely go to fancy restaurants except for really big occasions like a milestone birthday or anniversary. We as a society just don't glamourize as much as we used to.
So, to those who want the glamour shots of the Cambridge's, guess what, you're not gonna get them so quit whining about it and move on. There are way more important things in this world we should be complaining about than who photographed the Cambridges and how formal or informal the setting was.
I didn't read any post here asking for a dress up photo in fancy clothes, let alone robes, or anything like what you're describing. Those who didn't like the pictures, like me, just wanted a better quality one. And yes, people still take good quality photos nowadays. There is actually a market for photogaphers doing family sessions growing up nowadays. Beautiful, casual photos of family moments, but with quality, which was what was missing in those photos.
I must say that the poor quality is the only thing I don't like in these photos. Everything else looks good to me. I like the pose, I like the setting, I like the idea of the dog, I don't have any problem with it being taken in the Middleton's house, etc. I just think the photos don't have quality. I see many problems there, such as the light, that completely ruin the photos and that could have easily been prevented if a professional photographer was chosen.
And I also have no problem with a family member taking the photo.
Crown Princess Mary takes photos of her kids all the time that she uses as official pictures and they look wonderful to me and even have a special touch because they were taken by her. I also enjoyed the photos taken by the Duke of York in old times. And of course, those taken by Lord Snowdon were amazing. But all the three take good photos, which Michael Middleton doesn't.
There are those here who think that the quality of the picture doesn't matter. We should all be thankfull that they shared a picture of what they think it's a family moment (when in fact it's not, it's actually just a posed photo). I don't share this view.
But, of course, this is just my opinion.