Prince Louis turns 6 and, to celebrate, there is a new photograph signed by Kate | British Royal Family

At Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, the restless Prince Louis was the protagonist on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Once again, at the coronation of his grandfather, Carlos III, he delighted the photographers. William and Kate’s youngest son celebrates his 6th birthday this Tuesday and the Princes of Wales marked the occasion with a new portrait.

The photo, which shows a smiling Louis, was taken by his mother, Kate Middleton, who is absent from royal duties as she is undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer. According to the BBC, the portrait was captured in Windsor, where the couple lives with their children, “in the last few days”.

“Happy 6th birthday, Prince Louis! Thank you for all the well wishes,” Kensington Palace wrote on X and Instagram. Louis was born on April 23, 2018 (two days after Elizabeth I’s birthday) and is the youngest of the couple’s three children. George, 10, is the oldest, followed by Charlotte, who will celebrate her ninth birthday next month.

For some years now, Kensington Palace has been publishing images taken by Kate, whose taste for photography is known, to mark birthdays and other family occasions.

However, a photograph published this year on Mother’s Day in March was removed by several news organizations, including Reuters, because it had been edited, something for which the Princess of Wales later apologized, admitting the error.

Shortly afterwards, news agencies began reviewing the photographs shared by the couple. Anticipating future controversies, Kensington Palace confirmed in advance that Prince Louis’s photograph had not been edited.

The heir to the throne, William, has only now returned to official duties after the announcement that Kate is undergoing treatment after cancer was discovered, following the abdominal surgery she underwent in January. The Princess of Wales should only return to work when she is “discharged” by her medical team.

Future kings have reiterated their request for privacy, for the sake of the children’s well-being. “Of course it was a huge shock and William and I have done everything we can to process and manage this privately, for the good of our young family,” said the princess in the video released on March 22.

Carlos III was also diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of February. However, the king has maintained his duties as head of state and has been seen in public (and on social media) frequently.