A new photo of Prince Louis has been released by the Prince and Princess of Wales to mark his eighth birthday. The never-before-seen portrait shows the young prince during a family holiday in Cornwall earlier this month, captured by photographer Matt Porteous. It was shared on Prince William and Kate's social media channels with the message: 'Happy birthday, Louis! 8 today!'
Family Celebrations and Easter Traditions
Louis's birthday comes a day after he and his older siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, returned to Lambrook School following their Easter holidays. The trio were last seen in public with their parents on Easter Sunday when they joined the King, Queen, and other family members for the traditional church service at St George's Chapel in Windsor.
A Character in the Royal Family
As the youngest of William and Kate's children and fourth in line to the throne, Louis is known for his lively personality. William has described him as 'a character' who 'likes to wind his brother and sister up.' Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond notes that as Louis grows older, he will become increasingly aware of his older brother George's future role as king. 'It's difficult enough bringing up three children in a normal household, so I don't envy the family dynamics that destiny has dealt William and Catherine,' she said.
Childhood and Interests
George, Charlotte, and Louis attend the same prep school, Lambrook, near their Berkshire home. Family footage shows them enjoying outdoor activities like picnics, climbing trees, and playing near the beach. Louis is also fond of collecting conkers, with Kate once laughing that they find them 'in cupboards, in his bed – conkers everywhere.' He learns the drums, leading William to joke that he spends most of his time 'with my fingers in my ears,' and is 'obsessed' with trampolining, often with his sister.
Birth and Christening
William and Kate's youngest child was born on St George's Day, April 23, 2018, at the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London, weighing 8lb 7oz. He was christened Louis Arthur Charles at 11 weeks old by the then Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at the Chapel Royal, St James' Palace.
