Prince Louis, the youngest child of Prince William and Kate Middleton, celebrated his sixth birthday on April 23, 2024, without the release of a new photograph, deviating from Kensington Palace’s tradition. This decision comes after a controversy surrounding an edited Mother’s Day photo which had circulated globally before being withdrawn by major photo agencies.

The lack of a birthday photograph has evoked curiosity and speculation among royal followers, particularly as the palace has not provided an official explanation. Historically, birthday photographs of the royal children, often taken by Princess Kate herself, have been a norm. The young prince has not appeared publicly since Christmas Day.

This move by the royals may suggest a shift in Kensington Palace’s public relations strategy, possibly influenced by past controversies and recent challenges within the family, including Kate’s publicised cancer diagnosis and wider discussions related to King Charles III’s health and the line of succession.

The line of succession remains a point of interest, with recent legislative changes ensuring gender equality in succession rights, highlighting the significance of all of Charles III’s grandchildren, including Prince Louis.

Despite the break from photographic tradition, it is understood that Prince Louis celebrated his birthday with family after school, maintaining the private aspect of the occasion amidst ongoing public fascination with the royal family.