Prince Louis' 8th Birthday Portrait Is a Departure From Tradition & Royal Fans Saying the Same Thing
Prince William and Kate Middleton recently released a birthday portrait of their son,Prince Louis - and it left royal fans saying the same thing.
On Thursday, April 23, the Prince and Princess of Wales took to Instagram and X with a birthday tribute for the youngest of their three kids. The royals, who have been married since 2011, also share a son, Prince George, 12, and a daughter, Princess Charlotte, 9.
"Happy birthday, Louis! 8 today! 🎈," the royal parents captioned their update, crediting photographer Matt Porteous in the comments.
In the featured image, the young prince posed with his arms crossed, while leaning against a metal guardrail on what looked like a boat on water. Prince Louis wore a long-sleeved quarter-zip with the sleeves pulled up to his elbows. He flashed a toothy smile with slightly wind-tousled hair.
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In the comments, royal fans couldn't help but point out how grown-up Prince Louis looked in his birthday portrait. One Instagram user wrote, "Oh my God.. so big already..!! Happy birthday, Louis, hope your day full of happiness and lots and lots of cake.. 🎂🎂🥰🥳."
Another shared, "8 years old already! It feels like only yesterday we first saw Prince Louis😍🥺🎂."
Someone else confessed, "For a moment I thought it was George!! 😍."
A different follower commented, "Aww, what a brilliant picture!! Can't believe he's 8 already 🥹🥹 Happiest birthday to our handsome Prince Louis 🩵🥳."
Meanwhile, yet another royal fan declared, "AWHHH, HE LOOKS SOOO GROWN UP NOWW🥹🥹."
Middleton was often the photographer for her and Prince William's children during their younger years. However, the Princess of Wales recently decided to switch things up. Prince Louis' 7th birthday portrait was also a departure from tradition, with photographer Josh Shinner snapping the photo. In 2023, Middleton similarly stepped aside, as photographer Millie Pilkington was credited for Prince George's 10th birthday portrait.
In other upcoming royal news, Prince William and Middleton will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary on April 29, and Princess Charlotte will turn 11 on May 2. Meanwhile, Prince George will turn 13 on July 22.
What do you think of Prince Louis 8th birthday portrait?
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 3:23 AM.