Kate Middleton and Prince William didn’t follow their usual protocol when it came to Prince Louis’ latest birthday photo.
Prince Louis turned 6 on April 23, and the Prince and Princess of Wales shared a new portrait of their youngest son on his actual birthday. Prince William, 41, and Princess Kate, 42, traditionally released birthday portraits on the day before the milestone in years past for Prince Louis as well as his siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
It’s understood that the delay related to a desire for privacy after the Princess of Wales shared on March 22 that she was undergoing treatment for cancer. She similarly expressed the sentiment in her self-written speech.
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/5LQT1qGarK
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2024
“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” Princess Kate said in the video filmed in Windsor’s garden.
The remark followed her comment that she and Prince William took time to “explain everything” to Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis “in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I am going to be okay.”
Princess Kate acted as the photographer for Prince Louis’ 6th birthday portrait, which PEOPLE understands was taken in Windsor in the last few days.
PEOPLE understands that the Prince and Princess of Wales decided to release the photo to acknowledge well-wishers who wished Prince Louis a happy birthday.
READ: The Reason King Charles Revealed His Diagnosis, While Kate Opted To Keep Hers Confidential
“Happy 6th Birthday, Prince Louis! Thank you for all the kind wishes today,” read the caption of the photo shared across the royal couple’s shared social media channels.
Happy 6th Birthday, Prince Louis! 🎂
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) April 23, 2024
Thank you for all the kind wishes today.
📸 The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/TxshrI3WKO
Prince Louis’ birthday portrait marked the first official image released by the family since controversy surrounded a photo of Princess Kate with her three children that was released for Mother’s Day in the U.K. last month.
After the photo, which was the first official portrait featuring the Princess of Wales amid private recovery following her abdominal surgery in January, was pulled by multiple news agencies due to suspicions of manipulation, Kate said in a statement, “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day.”
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