Prince Louis turned eight on Thursday, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released a new photograph to mark the occasion. The image, taken by trusted photographer Matt Porteous, shows the young royal smiling on an Easter holiday to Cornwall earlier this month.
The picture was shared on social media with the caption: 'Happy birthday, Louis! 8 today!' It was taken during what appeared to be a family boat trip with his older siblings, Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, 10. Louis was dressed in a Boden jumper for the outing.
Royal fans quickly noted the resemblance between Louis and his father, Prince William, at the same age. One fan shared a comparison photo of William taken in 1990, when he was eight, onboard a yacht in Mallorca with his parents and younger brother. The image shows William with a toothy grin and sweeping fringe, strikingly similar to his son.
Social media users commented on the likeness, with one saying: 'Oh, all the kids have William's features.' Another added: 'Prince William at eight vs Prince Louis at eight.' However, some fans insisted Louis resembles the Middleton side of the family, particularly his grandfather, Michael Middleton.
Later on Thursday, William and Kate shared a family video featuring George, Charlotte, and Louis. The footage shows Louis playing cricket, in the sand, and jumping off a boat in a wetsuit. The caption read: 'Thank you for all the birthday wishes for Prince Louis. 8 is great!'
William visited the British Formula E racing team in Oxfordshire on the day, but it is expected the family will celebrate together at home in Forest Lodge, Windsor, after school.
