Prince Louis is celebrating his eighth birthday today, and the Palace has upheld tradition by releasing a new portrait of the young prince to mark the occasion. The image, shared by his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, was captured earlier this month during a family excursion to Cornwall. Unlike previous birthday photos taken by his mother, Princess Kate, this year's portrait was taken by royal photographer Matt Porteous, who has previously photographed the Wales family.
A Glimpse into the New Portrait
The photograph depicts Prince Louis leaning with his arms folded, smiling while on a boat with the sea as a backdrop. This marks a departure from earlier years when Princess Kate herself took the birthday portraits. For his fifth birthday in 2023, Kate featured in the photos alongside Louis, which were taken by photographer Millie Pilkington. Kate's photography skills were again showcased for his sixth birthday, before photographer Josh Shinner took over the following year for his seventh birthday.
Growing Up in the Public Eye
Prince Louis has long been a favorite among royal fans, known for his cheeky antics during rare public appearances. However, as he turns eight, a royal expert suggests that the young prince is beginning to rein in his mischievous nature in public as he matures. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror that there is likely to be a tinge of sadness for William and Kate as their youngest child grows up. "A tinge of sadness? Yes, it's inevitable as your 'baby' shoots up and grows out of all his clothes, exerts his will and shows his independence," Bond said. "Most parents get a touch whimsical about the end of an era: the family is growing up. The baby stage has gone once and for all."
During a recent appearance alongside his siblings George and Charlotte on Easter Sunday, Bond noted that Louis was on his best behavior and is likely becoming more aware of his public persona. "It was obvious at Easter when we saw the whole family at Windsor that George isn't the only one who is getting taller," Bond remarked. "The cheeky little boy in shorts was now a very well behaved young Prince Louis in suit and tie. There were no mischievous antics, no tongue poking out at the cameras – in fact Louis hardly looked in the direction of the crowds. I don't think his parents will have consciously subdued his cheeky side, but Louis is probably now more aware that he is on public parade. And that could be embarrassing at his age."
Future Royal Engagements
Despite his growing maturity, Bond believes royal fans will see more of Louis at royal events as he continues to age, while the Prince and Princess of Wales will still prioritize their children's privacy. "I think Louis will be included in most engagements now that we see the other children, but I'm sure that William and Catherine will continue their policy of giving their young family as normal and private an upbringing as possible in their position," Bond told the Mirror. "They look like great kids - a credit to their devoted parents."
To celebrate Louis' eighth birthday, a look back at all the official portraits of the young prince released by the Palace in previous years highlights his journey from infancy to his current age.
