Prince Louis smiles sweetly in brand new snap by Kate Middleton to mark his sixth birthday

Prince Louis can be seen smiling sweetly in an adorable new photo taken by the Princess of Wales that has been released to mark his sixth birthday.

The youngest child of Prince William and Kate celebrates turning six today – and royal fans have long been hoping a brand new snap of the prince would be released. And in the sweet picture, Louis can be seen lying on a rug on the grass, wearing a checked shirt and smiling at the camera. The photo was taken in the last few days at Windsor by Kate, who announced last month she is undergoing chemotherapy after a cancer diagnosis.

Prince Louis in a new snap to mark his sixth birthday

The picture of Louis was taken by Kate

There had been concerns that William and Kate would choose not to share a new photo of their youngest son after the photo editing furore that followed a picture put out to mark Mother’s Day showing the princess with her three children. And last month, aides said that “no firm decision” had been taken on whether they would release a photo of Louis on his birthday and who would take the snap.

However, the photo appeared on the Wales family’s official social media accounts this lunchtime. The post read: “Happy 6th Birthday, Prince Louis! Thank you for all the kind wishes today.” The image was followed by a camera emoji and attributed to the Princess of Wales. The image was also reposted on the official Royal Family Twitter account.

The release of the portrait marks a change in the way William and Kate usually release images for their children’s birthdays. It was posted straight to social media on Louis’ actual birthday on Tuesday, rather than under embargo to the press the day before, as was the established pattern William and Kate have followed each year for all three of their children since they were born.

Louis at Trooping the Colour last June

It is understood to be due to the unprecedented time the family is experiencing. William and Kate are said to be aware of the fact that they have asked for privacy during the princess’ recovery, but wanted to share the photograph on social media as a way to thank those who have sent birthday wishes. The same process is expected to be followed for their daughter Princess Charlotte’s birthday next week on May 2.

Louis is largely growing up away from the public spotlight and the last time he was seen in public was on Christmas Day when the Royal Family made their traditional festive appearance on King Charles’ Sandringham Estate to walk to church. He was pictured holding hands with Zara and Mike Tindall ‘s eldest daughter Mia on one side and grasping his father’s fingers with his other hand.

Since then, the past few months have been an eventful period for the prince and princess and their family, due to Kate’s cancer diagnosis. The couple took the time to sensitively share the diagnosis with their children, who also include Prince George, 10, and eight-year-old Charlotte, giving them time to process the information.

Louis with the rest of his family during his last public outing on Christmas Day

Louis goes to Lambrook School in Berkshire with his brother and sister and has recently returned to the classroom after the Easter break. It is likely a family birthday celebration, perhaps involving the prince’s grandparents Carole and Michael Middleton, will be held after the youngster’s school day is over.

Last year, Louis had an exciting year, appearing at his grandfather the King’s Coronation last May and appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony with other royals at the conclusion of Trooping the Colour last June. The young prince stole the show when he seemed to pretend to ride a motorcycle or bike with his arms outstretched and covered his ears as planes roared overhead during the fly-past.

Meanwhile, back in December, he joined George and Charlotte at the annual Westminster Abbey carol concert staged by their mother Kate. And a few weeks before the festive event, Louis and his siblings were taken volunteering by their mother, visiting the Baby Bank in Holyport near Maidenhead and getting stuck in sifting through donated goods.

William and Kate’s youngest child is fourth in line to the throne and was born on St George’s Day, April 23, 2018, at the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, weighing 8lb 7oz. He was christened Louis Arthur Charles at 11 weeks old, by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at the Chapel Royal, St James’ Palace in front of friends and family.

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