Prince Louis Wows Fans with Adorable 7th Birthday Photo
Kensington Palace has dropped a charming new snap of Prince Louis to celebrate his seventh birthday, winning hearts across the globe. Taken by Yorkshire-born photographer Josh Shinner in Norfolk earlier this month, the picture shows Louis sitting on a tree trunk, grinning widely with his cheeky missing front teeth on full display.
Dressed in a checked shirt, dark green jumper, and blue jeans, the young royal shines against a backdrop of blooming bluebells — pure playful innocence captured perfectly. The image went live on the official Prince and Princess of Wales social accounts this morning, continuing a beloved tradition of sharing personal birthday portraits.
New Photographer Takes the Spotlight After Last Year’s Controversy
While Princess Kate has traditionally taken many family milestone photos, this year Josh Shinner, who also shot their 2023 Christmas card, was brought in. This move comes after last year’s Mother’s Day image was revealed to have been digitally altered by Kate herself, sparking backlash and promises of greater transparency moving forward.
Shinner’s fresh portrait strikes a natural yet polished tone — exactly what the royal family seems keen to deliver now.
Fans Flood Social Media with Love
Royal fans have wasted no time showering Prince Louis with praise on X (formerly Twitter). One fan gushed, “Happy Birthday Louis, so like Grandpa Middleton,” noting his resemblance to Kate’s dad, Michael Middleton. Another called him “such a handsome and adorable little fellow!” while many expressed bittersweet feelings watching the youngster grow up so fast.
“Feels like yesterday he was a toddler,” commented a Reddit user, echoing the thoughts of long-time royal followers.
A Low-Key Celebration for the Young Prince
Born on 23 April 2018 at St Mary’s Hospital in London, Prince Louis’s birthdays are usually marked with official portraits that offer a rare glimpse into the lives of the Wales children. This year’s celebrations are expected to stay low-key and family-focused, with Kate likely to continue her beloved tradition of baking a homemade birthday cake.
The family now calls Adelaide Cottage in Windsor home, having relocated in 2022 to give the children more space and a slice of normal life away from the London spotlight.
Prince Louis at Seven: School, Siblings, and Spirited Antics
Louis attends Lambrook School in Berkshire alongside his siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Despite his royal status, he’s known for his cheeky charm and down-to-earth personality — often stealing the show at public events like Trooping the Colour.
His birthday falls just before his parents’ busy two-day visit to the Scottish Isles, where they will focus on environmental and community projects.
Though fourth in line to the throne, Louis’s relatability has endeared him to many. One X user summed it up perfectly: “He’s got the best of both worlds — royal life, but still a kid who loves to play.”
According to a 2024 YouGov poll, the Prince and Princess of Wales remain hugely popular, with 68% of Britons viewing them positively — proof their young family continues to capture public affection.
This new portrait of Prince Louis sums up a modern monarchy balancing duty, tradition, and genuine family warmth for the world to see.
