Prince Louis, the youngest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, celebrated his eighth birthday on Thursday with the release of a new photograph taken during a family holiday in Cornwall. The image, shared on Kensington Palace's social media accounts, shows a grinning Louis leaning with folded arms against a metal barrier, with the sea as a backdrop.
A Cheeky Smile for the Camera
Known for his playful antics on the Palace balcony, Louis appears relaxed and cheerful in the picture, wearing a blue textured quarter-zip jumper. The accompanying message read: "Happy birthday, Louis! 8 today!" accompanied by a red balloon emoji. The photograph was taken earlier this month by Matt Porteous, a photographer frequently chosen by the Wales family.
Birthday Details and Family Traditions
Prince Louis 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 is fourth in line to the throne. The family spent Easter together, and Louis was last seen at church with the rest of the royal family on Easter Sunday.
Sea-faring is a family tradition: Louis's great-grandfather, the late Duke of Edinburgh, was known for his Naval service and became Admiral of the Fleet. His grandfather, the King, also served in the Navy as the Prince of Wales, commanding HMS Bronington, and his namesake, Earl Mountbatten, became the First Sea Lord.
