Although the Duchess of Cambridge and her kids [1] are constantly photographed at events smiling and waving, it's the candid photos [2] that we really can't get enough of. More often than not, if the family is caught not posing for a photo, Kate is either defusing a toddler tantrum [3] or, quite the opposite: looking so lovingly at one or all of her children, that it's enough to make anyone's heart burst at the sight of it.
Ahead, take a look at some of our favourite love-filled photos of Kate with George, Charlotte, and Louis, which all prove that at her core, the duchess is just a typical mama bear [4].
Kate, peering lovingly at her firstborn, the day she became a mama.
Kate looking on at an adorable Princess Charlotte.
Even in front of Barack Obama, Kate only had eyes for her sweet toddler.
Charlotte may be in love with that pink balloon, but Kate is in love with Charlotte's little face.
Kate and Charlotte have pretty much the same expression here, but what's Charlotte looking at?
Kate loved watching Charlotte and George enjoy bubbles.
On the way to Charlotte's christening, Kate took a loving look at a tiny George.
Kate loved watching Charlotte thoroughly enjoy Trooping the Colour.
At Prince George's christening, Kate only had eyes for her adorable bundle.
Same with Prince Louis's christening — Prince William took ahold of the couple's older two kids while Kate gushed over her newborn.
Kate smiled as Charlotte trotted alongside her.
Even though Kate was holding Charlotte, she couldn't help but smile at George.
Kate took a moment during Pippa's wedding to smile adoringly at Charlotte.
How sweet is this snap of Kate looking at a newborn Prince Louis?
Kate's dimples were in full swing as she smiled at Charlotte.
Even the back of George's little head made this mama happy.
Kate swiveled her head around to grin at a pensive Charlotte.
As Prince William looks into the crowd of people at the hospital, Kate gets lost in little Louis.
Whatever caught Charlotte's eye isn't enticing Kate — her eyes are on her daughter.
Even though he looks like he's about to potentially meltdown, Kate can't help but look on sweetly at George.
Kate introduced her second-born child to the world with her eyes fixed on the newborn.
Kate couldn't help but smile widely at Charlotte on the day of her christening.
Even as Charlotte was pointing something out to Kate, she just wanted to stare at her daughter's adorable cheeks.
Kate looked on at George and Charlotte, both looking dapper and elegant at Pippa's wedding.
While Prince William fussed with George, Kate put a hand on his head and smiled at her son.
Even with gorgeous flowers in her hands, Kate was peering over at her little girl (and as usual, something out of the shot had Charlotte's undivided attention).
Seriously, Kate just really loves watching Charlotte watch something else — her joy is too cute, can you blame her?
Kate smiled wide as George stretched out a Slinky, while tightly gripping Charlotte. This mama just loves her little ones!