Prince Louis of Cambridge turns two years old & celebrates with new portraits

prince louis 1

You may remember that I used to find Prince Louis of Cambridge rather hilarious. Much like Prince George’s babyhood, Prince Lou seemed like a stocky, chonky little thing. Unlike George, Lou always seemed to have an easy-going personality, even when he was just a baby. He just seemed rather chilled out, possibly in reaction to William & Kate’s more relaxed parenting style given that he is their third kid. I thought Lou was going to be different than his siblings and that he would look different. But no. It turns out that he looks a lot like George and Charlotte. And man, those Middleton genes are strong.

Prince Louis’s second birthday is today, and Kensington Palace celebrated by giving us new portraits of the littlest Cambridge. We haven’t seen any new photos of him in months, right? I believe the last time Kensington Palace posted photos of him (or allowed him to be photographed) was during one of Kate’s Keen Garden photo-ops last year. Lou was walking by then, but he still had a babyish look and he had light blonde hair. His hair got darker in a matter of months! Which happens sometimes. Kate also favors the swept-aside Bieber-bangs look for her sons – George had a similar hairstyle at Lou’s age. But yeah, I just see Middleton in him. He seems like the child who looks most like Kate? Louis 100% has Kate’s eyes. Sorry, I’m not trying to start a war in the comments – I know you bitches love to fight about who royal children look like. I’m just saying this boy is all Middleton and I’m walking away!

As for the rainbow paint, I thought perhaps the Cambridges were doing some sudden symbol of LGBTQ Pride (pride flags are rainbow flags), but probably not – the rainbow has been co-opted by British people during the pandemic. Kids are painting or drawing rainbows and posting them in windows or sharing them online. Some people are arguing that the rainbows are now a symbol of support for medical workers too.

The photos were all taken by Kate. She’s doing more of the outdoor photos with her kids now, have you noticed that? She doesn’t want us to see any of the Anmer Hall interiors! (Plus, the lighting is just better outside, I would imagine.)

prince louis 2

Photos courtesy of the Duchess of Cambridge for Kensington Royal.

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206 Responses to “Prince Louis of Cambridge turns two years old & celebrates with new portraits”

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  1. truthSF says:

    He definitely looks more and more like his big brother when George was his age, except George was more blonde!

    • Ash says:

      Absolutely – I seriously thought the one of him with paint on his face was George for a moment!

    • minx says:

      He really does. Very cute. I just want to pinch those cheeks.

    • Abena Asantewaa says:

      He definitely looks like, Michael Middleton, Kate’s father. None of the Windsor or Spencer genes are visible. Louis is so cute, he’s got the same cheekiness as Harry. HBD Louis! I hope if and when The Sussexes release a photo of Archie, on his birthday, we are not suddenly reminded by the media, that, we are in a pandemic, or the mantra; upstage!

      • Tessa says:

        Yes, of course, Meghan will be accused of “exploiting” the child. And “exposing him” to the virus. And then getting snarky about how he is not as “pretty” as the Cambridge children.

    • Bella DuPont says:

      “And man, those Middleton genes are strong.”

      Except, those Windsor genes are the ultimate sleeper cells……lying dormant for two decades, after which the beast suddenly awakens and turns AAA* Hollywood looks into a penis with teeth, overnight.

      I will keep Louis in my prayers.

      • BW says:

        Hehehehhe, sleeper cells, lying dormant for two decades.

        So true. Made me laugh.

      • Becks1 says:

        HAHA I love this comment. It’s so true. He did go from Hollywood to PWT. Its so weird to look back and remember how good looking he was.

      • Sass says:

        I thought the same thing – “awwww he’s definitely the cutest one, maybe he will be ok – wait, those Windsor genes sneak up on them” 😂😬

      • Dazed and Confused says:

        This was what I thought also!! It’s not until the late 20s, early 30s that Windsor starts to creep in.

      • Elizabeth says:

        I guess I’m terrible, because I never thought William was good-looking.

      • Elisa says:

        OMG, I wish I could upvote you comment! 🙂

      • Thirtynine says:

        Comment of the day!

  2. Becks1 says:

    He is a really cute kid.

    The new social media guru is paying off, the “Instagram vs reality” post is really cute, I was thinking when I saw the original pics that “omg he’s about to put his hands on his face.”

    • Erinn says:

      Yeah that post kind of got me – it’s REALLY cute.

      Honestly, I find Charlotte looks the most like Will. I definitely see Kate too, but the boys look more like her. They’re all cute kids, though. Posts like this are a nice break from all the insanity in the BRF.

      • Seraphina says:

        And they use their kids to the fullest extent they can!!

        The pics are adorable and he looks so much like George. Holy cow. I still say Charlotte looks like her great grandmother. Now the question is, will those Windsor genes jump in and take over later in life?

      • BayTampaBay says:

        I think Charlotte is the spitting image of Liz of House Petty and Louis looks as much like Michael Middleton as any grandchild could.

      • Becks1 says:

        @Bay – I am not sure about Charlotte, I think she looks like Elizabeth bc Kate dresses her in a very similar style, so it will be interesting to see what she looks like as she grows up.

        I think Louis is 100% Michael Middleton though. Like its almost freaky.

      • Erinn says:

        I think it’s a lot of the expressions too. Even if they don’t look super like one side of the family – if we see them pulling certain faces they can look like more of one than the other easily. Like you’ll catch hints of different family members depending on what they’re doing.

        I was one of those kids where it seemed split – half of the people I’d encounter thought I looked a ton like my mom, but others thought I looked like my dad’s clone. It’s weird how that works haha.

      • Tessa says:

        I never saw any resemblance between Charlotte and the Queen. I think she looks like Carole the most. And more and more as she grows up. I hope she does not grow up to look like the Queen. It is biologically impossible for someone to look just like only one great grandparent except in Romance Novels. CHarlotte may have some Spencer looks and I think Louis will grow up to look like James Middleton.

      • Rosa says:

        I think it’s clear that they had to do multiple takes, or at least repaint his hand for him to do the final handprint painting considering we see a photo where he’s wiped his hands all over his face. I don’t think they are hiding that

      • What...now? says:

        I’m with BayTampaBay: I think Charlotte looks dead like the Queen and Louis is all Michael Middleton.

      • The Recluse says:

        Charlotte has Kate’s asymmetrical eyes. One is larger than the other and slightly higher.

    • starryfish29 says:

      I’m sure we’ll get a 100 think pieces about how hollywood that tweet was any day now…

      • Sofia says:

        That only applies to the /other/ couple. (I know you were being sarcastic don’t worry)

      • Nic919 says:

        And of course no one will comment that the close up of the hand print doesn’t match any of the colour patterns of the ones where we see his hands. So of course there weren’t multiple takes and weren’t staged at all.

      • Aria says:

        @nic19 I notice that too. If Sussex does that they will be mocked for this. Also this unusual for cambriges to release so many photos of Louis. They usual does with three shots . But this has many and also clarence house has brand new photo of louis. Wow press indeed has William by his ball.

      • NVYWife says:

        @Nic you really are a sad little person

      • Lady D says:

        (whispers at NVYWife) you spelled observant wrong.

      • hmmt says:

        @nic919 No shame there. I have 5 and trust me, most milestone photos were staged. If it were up to my kids they’d look feral living in dumpsters for their bday photos.

      • Natalee says:

        @nvywife literally no one cares that they set up and staged a photoshoot with a little kid. Just pointing out that if the sussexes did the same thing Meghan would be dragged.

      • Melissa says:

        Right? I mean, who stages photos of their kids for milestones. 🤦‍♀️

      • Tessa says:

        I think the Cambridges have put their children out there a lot more lately. Re: the Sussexes they get criticized for “using” Archie, even releasing older pictures. And attention seeking.

      • Nic919 says:

        So many people are obtuse and missed the entire point of that comment.

      • BayTampaBay says:

        I have a question which I really do not have an answer to so maybe fellow CBers can help me out.

        Is there anyway, under the rules and protocols of the BRF, that the Cambridges could be making money off these types of pictures?

      • Bella DuPont says:

        @ BaytampaBay

        Maybe not raw cash, but those pictures are being traded as currency of some other sort none-the-less.

        They *are* absolutely gorgeous pictures, so I hope they got a great deal for them in exchange. 👍

      • KittyRuby says:

        @nic919 You are so right! People are obtuse not to realize you are pointing out how Meghan and Harry have been victimized over and over again. The only reason the evil Cambridges are doing this is that no one cares about their kids’ pics. We only want the Sussexes! Cate obviously did this to get attention for herself, and William would have nothing if not for the headlines his brother gives him. He would just be a balding old Englishman, right? No one would care. Poor Meghan has never done anything to call attention to herself, she and Harry wanted to live a reclusive life where no one would know all the wonderful charity work they did,yet she is always criticized for it. It’s all so unfair. I don’t know how they bear it.

      • Nic919 says:

        It’s pretty pathetic to blame Meghan for the non stop tabloid attacks and double standards applied to her that habe been documented by regular non biased journalists. If that concept is too difficult to understand then I almost feel bad for people. Ah not really.

    • Elisa says:

      I just went to their Insta and the pics are hilarious. He looks like a little hellraiser, so cute.

    • Mrs.Krabapple says:

      Yeah, the kid is cute. That totally justifies having an expensive, racist, sexist, outdated monarchy.

      • Nic919 says:

        Apparently it does. And god forbid you point out the hypocrisy the stans lose it. This is the kind of crowd that let fascism happen. Blind adoration of the elites is a sign of stupidity. Give them crumbs and they will be satisfied.

  3. Snazzy says:

    Those pics are adorable no doubt about it.

    that hair is funny and cute … another sign Kate is a true hero and not only doing her own hair but everyone else’s as well!

    • Snappyfish says:

      I agree. The photos are adorable, Louis is adorable. They makes really cute children & usually would never say such a thing as I don’t really like kids.

      Happy Birthday to the Little Prince.

    • Tessa says:

      Nanny Maria probably brings him to the hairdresser in residence at their home.

  4. emmy says:

    Jesus they make cute babies. And I’ll come down firmly on the Middleton side, looks-wise. He looks so much like his brother and grandfather. Charlotte is the one who got Windsor/Spencer genes, no?

    I know people were making fun of Kate’s keen photography but honestly, I think for her kids it makes sense. They would probably not be this candid with some stranger coming in and taking pics? I don’t know, I don’t have kids.

    • Becks1 says:

      I have no issue with Kate taking photos of her kids (although they have had professional photo sessions as well, which I also have no issue with). I would be surprised if Kate wasn’t taking tons of pictures of her kids (I mean I think I take 10 a day of mine, lol.)

      The reason most of us make fun of it though is that its presented as “Kate is such a keen photographer, she’s so talented, LOOK AT THIS PICTURE AS PROOF OF HER INCREDIBLE TALENT” and its like…..okay, cute picture taken by the mom?

      • Ali says:

        My friend is a photographer and he has taught me a few things.

        The images are fine but Kate isn’t a good photographer.

      • Nic919 says:

        Kate is not special in her photography skills. She’s no better than the average parent but the sycophantic RR can’t admit it.

      • Marie says:

        I agree Becks1. They don’t look any better than the pictures I take of my kids. They act like she is the best photographer there ever was. These could have been taken with an iPhone for all we know.

        Louis is 100% Middleton.

      • Erinn says:

        I don’t know what average parents you’re seeing lol. My facebook news feeds are littered with REALLY bad photos and even worse editing of kid photos. Even the posed ones that clearly involved thought and planning. I’m seeing thumbs in the way and everything lol.

        I’d say she’s above average compared to your random person off the street, but not by very much? Like, she’s doing okay for someone who’s an amateur – but not good when compared to people who really know the technical side of things. The only photos of this quality and up I’m seeing posted by people I know are the people who REALLY enjoy photography – or who are working photographers. In the scheme of things she’s okay – but she’s definitely not doing anything ground breaking or whatever.

      • Monia says:

        I guess all taste is different, but I thought the black and white photo of him she took with Charles was pretty gorgeous.

      • Nic919 says:

        Kate does that constant blurring of the background thing In her portraits which isn’t what trained photographers do.
        I must know plenty of great photographers because I see great photos all the time in my feed. My parents also had a real Nikon camera and so they know how to take photos beyond the smart phone. It’s not hard. She’s average. It’s ok for her to be average.

      • Erinn says:

        It might be a socio-economic thing to a degree too. I don’t think most of the parents I have on my socials have fancy cameras – I think they’re just snapping basic photos from basic smart phones or simple point and shoots. I have an older, but decent DSLR and a couple decent lenses. My aunts were really into photography so there’s a lot of nice photos of us as kids. But honestly, I mostly see photos that are edited REALLY dark, or they’ve upped the sharpness to a ridiculous degree or where they haven’t put any thought into light or background or anything when it comes to people I know posting them. We’re in a pretty rural area, and a lot of people just don’t have the time or money or access as someone who’s wealthier or living in a more populated area or whatever.

        Even in the city, I see a lot of really high end photographers doing portrait work with blurred and bokeh backgrounds. Not sure if it’s because that is what the client base wants or because that’s the style they’re aiming for. Truly, I’m not ruling out that it could boil down to the fact that I just live in a hillbilly kind of area haha. But I’m also not saying I’d pay a penny for Kate’s photos either – she’s ‘fine’ for a hobbyist I think but like everyone else, I don’t think she’s some kind of great talent.

      • Tessa says:

        Kate uses a lot of airbrushing. She is no where near professional quality.

      • emmy says:

        I mean I also don’t see many parents taking photos of this quality. At least not the ones I know. Suddenly everyone knows photography I guess. I think good photography captures something special, a new perspective, and doesn’t necessarily have to do with technique, although knowing your equipment sure doesn’t hurt. But that’s just my very unprofessional opinion. We’ll never know if she’s really that (un)talented because she won’t have the chance to capture anything truly special, will she? Living in a palace doesn’t lend itself to that.

      • Becks1 says:

        @Erinn lol! My pictures of my kids are all exquisite and museum quality, TYVM. But seriously, its also a quantity thing. If you take a thousand pictures of your kid in a year, and share 4 or 5 of them with the public, they’re probably going to be pretty decent. We don’t see the other 995 she took, you know?

        @Nic its like her phone is on constant portrait mode, lol.

        @Emmy really? If I have our good camera I take pictures that look a lot like this, and I’m really not a photographer at all. But again, its not that Kate is bad at photography. It’s that she is not the next Ansel Adams.

    • Anance says:

      He also looks a great deal like Pippa and seems to have her “sparkly” personality. Something we don’t see b/c she probably hates photographers and they capture a snapshot of her reacting. But in uni days she was quite known for vivaciousness in contrast to Kate.

      Sometimes when you see children from the same family, you wonder how much personality is hard-wired.

      • bonobochick says:

        I thought that too at the pics that he looks like Pippa.

      • BeanieBean says:

        Certainly in the eyes. Those eyes are not from Michael Middleton’s side, they’re from Carole’s. The rest of his little face looks pure Middleton.

      • songbirds_thrive says:

        Yes @BeanieBean, as I said in my initial comments, Louis has some of Carole in his looks. You’re right about Louis’ eye shape being from Carole, and the rest is Middleton. I don’t really see any Windsor in Louis, and the Spencer is not too apparent either. George definitely looks the most like Grandpa Middleton, but George also has the Spencer coloring and Windsor knock-knees!

    • Dee says:

      Kate is the photographer for her kids because then all the money from publishing the photos stays with them. Simple.

      • Aria says:

        Wow I never think like that . Thanks for this information. I remember when cambriges stans and press bullied sussex for copyrighting their photo and post. Indeed double standard for cambriges and Sussex.

      • Dee says:

        If we weren’t under quarantine conditions, the rags could run a story about how Kate is taking a job away from a professional photographer by doing this. Oh, wait, that won’t happen. But if Harry and Meghan release their own photos, someone will bring it up. Probably that awful Richard Palmer.

      • Amy says:

        @Dee the tabloids have run that story a lot- it is how I learned most royals don’t release personal pictures and why its an issue for papers.

        And why is it bad they dont’ want random photographers to make money off their kids. I think its smart- just like I think its smart when the Sussex do it. These are their children

    • songbirds_thrive says:

      @Emmy said:
      “… I’ll come down firmly on the Middleton side, looks-wise. He looks so much like his brother and grandfather. Charlotte is the one who got Windsor/Spencer genes, no?”

      For me, George looks the most like his Grandpa Middleton. But George has the Windsor knock-knees. No lie, that’s where those knees come from. 😛 George has the Spencer coloring though, and some personality proclivities similar to Diana as a child it seems. It looks like Louis and George both have brown eyes, with George’s very dark brown, which is striking with blond hair (though George’s hair is becoming a bit darker shade of blond as he grows). I had thought Louis’ hair might be brunette like his mother’s but it was looking more blond at first.

      Charlotte has the dirty blond or brown hair with the Windsor blue eyes. She does have the look of QE-II as a child with a bit of Carole Middleton in her too. I don’t see as much Spencer in Charlotte or Louis as George seems to have.

      George and Louis do look alike but I see unique differences in them. They certainly seem to have different personalites. As he’s grown, George seems a bit more moody and introverted at times. Of course, this is just observing from afar, so just my 2cents. Both boys appear to have the most Middleton in them than Charlotte. I think Louis takes after both Michael and Carole in many respects. I don’t see any Windsor nor much Spencer in Louis. George definitely has his Grandpa Middleton’s nose and dark eyes.

      The Cambridge kids are definitely cute. I used to think their parents were very admirable, but not anymore. So I wish the best for these kids as they begin to grow up to fully recognize and to become impacted by the downsides of their birth. The fact their parents have been so willing to pap them recently (as part of the media game) doesn’t seem to bode well. But perhaps they will have strong, grounded personalities. Or maybe the monarchy may cease to exist in its current, outdated clusterfcuk form.

      It would be nice if these kids could develop a good relationship with their Sussex cousin(s) in spite of the petty inclinations and questionable motivations of their Cambridge parents to this point.

      • Tessa says:

        I see some resemblance in Charlotte to Diana/Spencers but she is looking more like Carole as she gets older. I never saw a resemblance to the Queen in any of them.

  5. Winnie Cooper’s Mom says:

    What a precious child. For as much crap as we give to the Cambridges, they make some beautiful children!

  6. Alissa says:

    he looks so much like George! honestly all the kids look very similar.

    also, happy birthday Louis! I almost forgot we have the same birthday.

    • Monia says:

      I really thought when he was a baby he might end up looking a bit more like a Mike Tindall baby – he looked like he was going to be a little bruiser! But those tall, willowy Midddleton genes are strong.

  7. Annie .. says:

    I love him! He is so so cute, and I love all the photos!

    I also love the one of him and Charles posted by CH on their social media!

    Oh, and Louis has perfect hair and eyebrows!

    • Elisa says:

      ha, I love his eyebrows! He looks too cute!

    • Mumbles says:

      What a great head of hair for a two-year old. He’s got Middleton hair genes, far preferable than the Windsor ones. (Diana and her sisters had great hair, her brother less so.)

    • That bw pic of Louis and Charles is lovely.

      Didn’t I hear Petty Betty finally “did” Instagram? No post from Gan Gan? Or the other RF members? Nothing on Eugenie’s page… or Pedo’s….Interesting. Seems only some others are dragged for not posting congrats.

      Indeed, “Some ARE more other than others”, as the quote goes.
      .

      • Aria says:

        Euegiene most wont wishes on cambriges though. She never wished for William but she wish for harry. Charles and William doesnt like yorks (allegedly there are many rumors) that’s he didnt invite fergie to the wedding but harry did.

  8. Diana says:

    What a cutie!!!! The photos are lovely

  9. aquarius64 says:

    A cute picture of Louie. The rainbow hands are so contrived; the pattern is so neat. Definitely a message sent.

    • Nic919 says:

      Today when someone viewed as a royal supporter tried to point out the crafted image of the non matching hand rainbows on twitter the stans went berserk. They can’t admit of all the effort put in these crafted images. Too bad Kate can’t put the same level of effort in her patronages.

      • Lise says:

        I saw that too- pretty funny that she had to defend herself. Why is it a problem to say the Cambridges likely spent a lot of time to craft the perfect image to share online?

      • Bavarian says:

        as a parent I can say that we did this often years ago and you paint the Hands over and over again till the Kids are calling it a day.

      • Nic919 says:

        There is nothing wrong to admit it took effort. But the stans had an issue with revealing that Louis is just a normal kid after all.

      • Amy says:

        I dont’ think people care if you point out they put in effort most people do with kids photos that the public sees.

        I think its that people don’t care and don’t understand why people are making an issue of it with a kids photo. Like its a cute photo of a little boy on his second birthday why make it a huge issue?

      • Melissa says:

        That’s where I fall – what a strange thing to make an issue of, enough of an issue to argue with complete strangers. Mom paints two year old hands multiple times to obtain fun photo. My pearls can’t take it.

      • Nic919 says:

        The crazy attacks against Gert of Gert’s Royals, someone who is clearly a royalist and not a Sussex Stan for pointing this out shows how crazy the Cambridges stans can be. She simply pointed it out. And they made personal attacks. Just like some fools on here.

  10. Esmom says:

    He is adorable and the photos are really great. I thought in the thumbnails that it was George. Louis does look so much less babylike all of a sudden.

  11. Lightpurple says:

    Very cute little boy.

  12. Sofia says:

    Happy Birthday to Louis! Kate’s not the best photographer stylistically but she does capture the joy in her children that I think only their mother could

  13. Mellie says:

    What an adorable little guy, cute kids all around.

  14. Aria says:

    He looks like George, also like prince Edward when he was little.

  15. Julia says:

    Precious child!

  16. Ali says:

    The shirt is what kills me.
    I cant imagine how hard their servants had to work to get paint out of that shirt.

    • JHDC says:

      My niece and nephew use washable paint that you don’t even have to scrub off the clothes–it just washes right off. Most kid-friendly paint/markers/etc are washable. I can’t imagine she’s dumping his hands in permanent paint…

    • Wasn’t George wearing that same shirt in a few photos at that age? Kate does like to recycle her kids’ clothes. They’ve all shared sweaters and such.

  17. Missy says:

    Charoltte look like Will, but George and Louis looks like Mike Middelton, esp George.

    • Tessa says:

      CHarlotte hopefully will look more like Diana,

    • songbirds_thrive says:

      @Missy, I totally agree with you that George looks the most like Michael Middleton. George has his Middleton Grandpa’s nose, dark eyes and hair thickness, but his fair coloring is from the Spencers. Meanwhile, Louis looks a lot like Gramp Middleton too, but he also has Carole’s eyes. These boys are lucky that their maternal gramp has all that thick head of hair. They won’t be losing their hair when they grow up. If Charlotte has boys when she becomes a mother, they won’t be as lucky. 😜

      Charlotte has more Windsor, and maybe a bit of Spencer and a dash of Middleton. We’ll see how she blossoms as she grows up. There may be a bit of Diana in Charlotte, but she could either show more Windsor or more Spencer with some minor Middleton aspects as she grows.

  18. CatWomen says:

    You can see what a handsome man he’ll grow up to be. Beautiful child.

  19. Toniko says:

    That’s grandpa Middleton.

  20. L84Tea says:

    All the Cambridge kids are adorable. The boys clearly got all the Middleton genes, while I think Charlotte looks like Will. No snark from me towards the kids despite my feelings on their parents.

    • sunny says:

      Yup. They are beautiful and happy children that seem very loved.

    • songbirds_thrive says:

      I have to agree with you @L84Tea. That side-by-side picture of Will & Charlotte at a similar age (in the linked Hello article) shows us for sure that Charlotte will most likely grow to resemble Diana with a healthy dose of Windsor perhaps, and none of the uglies that took over Will’s looks. Maybe the Middleton genes will prevent the Windsor uglies from taking over. LOL 😉

  21. Lauren says:

    The Middleton is strong in this precious child. He is such a cutie!

    • songbirds_thrive says:

      Yes. I remember how Kate was so blooming and joyful throughout her third pregnancy (after the early nauseous period she always experiences). She seems to be at her best in the middle and latter stages of pregnancy. And she seems to love having children. She’d surely have more, but as she’s admitted, Wills don’t want anymore.

      I suppose three is enough of a handful. But you could just see once Louis was born how much Kate adores him. With the youngest, parents are always more relaxed and have a tendency to spoil them more. But I think Louis is special to Kate as well because Will agreed to have a third after not really wanting anymore children. So Kate probably felt: this is most likely my final pregnancy, so cherish every moment.

  22. ABritGuest says:

    Louis is soo adorable. That picture Clarence House posted of Charles& Louis was cute too

    • songbirds_thrive says:

      Yes, that’s an adorable photograph. No sour grapes, but the royals will never admit to getting the idea from Meghan, for interspersing b&w photos on Instagram with the usual color photos. In the old days (30s, 40s, 50s, b&w was the major classic norm in fabulous royal portraiture). I have some special collection calendars with a lot of the old b&w royal photos taken by Cecil Beaton.

      So Meghan simply went back to an old traditional practice in featuring b&w photos, but updated on modern technology. The royals were not utilizing Instagram in the way they are now, prior to Meghan joining the family. And, it was Harry who had encouraged his family some years ago to take more full advantage of social media in the first place. The Sussexes apparently won’t be given credit for their relevant and substantive contributions to the royal firm.

  23. Calibration says:

    Middleton genes are super strong. I think all three kids look very Middleton. Happy birthday, Louis. Cute pics.

  24. Florence says:

    Got the middle-manager haircut already.

  25. Belli says:

    Very cute pictures! I thought the photos were of George at first! The boys are all Middleton, only Charlotte seems to be showing any Windsor so far.

    I can’t help but already be worrying about these children in the future though. Charlotte and Louis seem like such sparky kids, but for the BRF they’re unimportant because they weren’t born first. I hope they manage to find a future that they’re happy with.

    • Aria says:

      Charlotte and Louis will be in Harry’s position. Too bad they will be thrown under the bus for george and his wife pr. They had many chances to change that pattern but William and kate actively thrown harry and his wife under bus. You reap what you sow.

      • Monia says:

        How do you know George will have a wife?

      • Aria says:

        Monia what are you saying ?? Any future spouse (any gender) of prince George will be protected. The brf has showed again and again they will throw spares under the bus for cheap pr. Princess Margaret, andy, harry all are thrown under the bus to deflect the problem with the heirs.

      • Monia says:

        What I’m saying is we don’t know if he’ll marry a woman, or if he’ll marry at all. Creating a very heternormative hypothetical to get angry about is a little bizarre.

      • Aria says:

        Monia if brf continue to exist how will prince George will get away from marriage?? They will make sure him to get married and the bloodline continue. They will not allow the mistake like what queen uncle did. Also brf as Institution never allow if their future king of england and who is head of chruch of england to be gay.

      • Monia says:

        He’s got two siblings. There’s no concern about the Windsor line dying out or some crisis of succession. If he chose to not get married and/or have children, there’s a pretty hearty line of people who the crown could easily pass to.

        Also, there’s no “King of England”. Hasn’t been for a very long time.

      • Nic919 says:

        Edward married a woman and there are strong rumours that he is bi or gay. Other past members of the Windsor family were rumoured to be gay as well. However this is not an accepting family so if Louis, Charlotte or George is gay I highly doubt they will accept that.

      • Mtec says:

        @Monia
        You really think the BRF will have no expectations for the Heir to marry a woman and have children? Those “heteronormative” rules have been set and followed by the monarchy for centuries. If George decides to break the mold well then so be it, but marrying a woman was expected of Will and baring an heir was expected of Kate, and those things will be expected of George as well.

      • Monia says:

        Just FYI, if you use quotation marks to reference what someone says, you should maintain the context of their remarks. My comment about heternormativity related to bizarre unfounded hypotheticals about a wife he may never have.

        And no, I doubt he’ll be pushed to produce an heir. As discussed he has two siblings and plenty of cousins. There isn’t a Henry VIII-style crisis in the future. People will care less. He may not end up on the throne for many decades.

      • Tessa says:

        Charlotte is next now. And if George does not marry or marries and has no children, she and her children would be next in line. The Line would be continued through her.

      • Mtec says:

        @Monia
        I don’t know what you think I took out of context.

        You point was that @Aria was wrong to assume heteronormative responsibilities onto George was it not? And now you’re saying it’s “unfounded” to assume he will be expected to lead a heteronormative life—but I disagree. I think he will 100% be expected to have a wife and for her to bear children. As I said It’s what’s been expected of royals next in line for centuries, so it is not wrong or “unfounded” for @Aria to assume that’s what’s going to happen with George as well. @Aria is not the one creating those heteronormative rules for George, it’s something the monarchy has been doing for centuries.

      • Becks1 says:

        @Monia you are being weirdly combative about the suggestion that the future king will marry and will marry a woman. That’s certainly going to be the expectation, however heteronormative it may be.

      • Case says:

        I believe @Aria was just speaking in hypotheticals and comparing the kids’ futures to what is happening with Will and Harry now. I understand how damaging heteronormativity can be, but no need to come down on them for suggesting he’d have a wife in this hypothetical future scenario.

      • Melissa says:

        I think the point was that we are not only outraged by our interpretations of the current situations, but that we are now projecting future outrage and misery on the hypothetical future spouses of children.

        At least that’s how I took it, a little giggle at the leap to fortune telling .

      • songbirds_thrive says:

        @Monia, I understand what you are saying. Children of George’s age are not too young to be showing certain personality and character traits. Children who grow up to be homosexual show certain preferences at early ages. It’s only a matter if they are simply encouraged to feel comfortable expressing who they are without having to adhere to strict societal gender and sexual norms.

        Will already went on record saying that if any of his children are LGBT, it will be fine with him and Kate. But that he would worry about the pressure society would place on them as a result:
        https://metro.co.uk/2019/06/26/prince-william-says-will-support-george-charlotte-louis-gay-10074777/

        Who knows what will happen in the future regarding the monarchy and regarding relaxing of societal strictures surrounding sexuality…

        Of course, there’s still the strong possibility that George will be expected to marry a female, even if he is gay. Or he could rebel and give his place in line to Charlotte, regardless of his sexuality. Who knows! 😜 Or by then, maybe he will marry whom he pleases and have children via surrogate. LOL

        I know that seems farfetched since the monarchy is still so uptight and friggin’ old-fashioned.

    • Marie says:

      I can’t help but wonder are they really as spunky as the press makes them out to be? I know they said that about Harry and all other spares. William was always right there with Harry getting into trouble but the press ignored it.

      • Aria says:

        No they are just normal cute kids but press create this narrative for spare kids. Which is sad.

  26. Redgrl says:

    Re the rainbow symbol in the UK – in Canada people have been painting rainbows in their windows and on their driveways as a symbol of support. In Quebec there’s a slogan “ca va bien aller 🌈” meaning “it will be all right again”

  27. Rachel says:

    Thank God the Middleton gene’s are strong. That’s why the kids are cute.

  28. 10KTurtle says:

    Am I the only one who thinks he looks like the toddler version of mid-20s Andrew? He also looks just like the kid from the 1990s version of the “Little Rascals” movie who did all the grape juice commercials.

    • Beach Dreams says:

      Yeah, the first person I thought of (especially with that hair) was a young Andrew.

  29. TheOriginalMia says:

    He looks so much like Kate and Mike Middleton. Happy Birthday, Louis!

  30. Rapunzel says:

    Small correction: we didn’t see pics, but we did see video of Louis recently clapping for NHS with his siblings.

    These pics are nice but his hair is too perfect for a child playing with fingerpaints. As are his clothes. And as pointed out already, the handprint is clearly too neat and not the same design as what’s on Louis’ hands.

    So not candid photos.

  31. Natalee says:

    Cute kid. With William as a dad though there’s not much hope for his future.

    • Tessa says:

      Those poor children might hear the negativity about their Uncle and Aunt and their cousin from their parents.

      • songbirds_thrive says:

        Let’s hope the Cambridge kids will be able to shake off or overcome the sins of their parents and the downside burdens of being royal. Fingers-crossed!!!

  32. Harper says:

    Happy Birthday, Louis! Gosh, you are adorable!

  33. Tiffany says:

    All I see is Grandpa Michael in those pics.

    Yes, the Middleton gene is strong. Here is hoping it beats out the Windsor gene, youknowwhatimsaying?

    • Aria says:

      Windsor gene will win. Harry has strong Spencer gene and lately he is having bald spot which is passed down from father to son. All windsor men have this gene from Philip blood line except andy. Charles, edward, william and harry all have those ugly Windsor bald gene. Louis and george may have bald in much olden years than their father.

      • Chrissy says:

        Aria, the Spencer men are balding as well. Diana’s father was bald and Charles’ is thinning. George VI was balding. I believe the balding gene is inherited from the female line for what it’s worth.

      • Aria says:

        https://genetics.thetech.org/ask-a-geneticist/balding-genetics

        In this research if mother family has you will get but if your father has surely you will get. This is what we see from Windsor men from Philip gene because queen father is not that bald . All Windsor men has that except andrew. But Charles Spencer is not bald. My professor said to me (biology major) mostly baldness gene are strongly passed from father to son.

      • Mtec says:

        I thought baldness was something passed down from the Mother’s side of a family.

      • songbirds_thrive says:

        The balding gene is passed down to boys via maternal grandfathers mostly. That’s why George and Louis should have nothing to worry about with Gramp Middleton’s full head of thick hair.

        Hopefully, the Windsor male tendency to baldness and slightly thinning male pattern baldness genes through Diana’s father and paternal grandfather will not impact the Cambridge boys due to the strength of the Middleton genes on Michael Middleton’s side.

  34. GG says:

    These photos are PRECIOUS and I feel like he’s a mischievous little guy who never gets into trouble cause he’s so cute!

    The way some of y’all still need to Reiterate the same criticisms you have every day on a birthday post for a child is a little unsettling. I get it, you staunchly support H&M you hate W&K. Louis is a toddler who had nothing to do with that and projecting that negative energy on Louis and Charlotte and deciding that a 6 year old George is already a tyrant king who will ”definitely throw his brother and sister under the bus” is such a dark comment for a child who has done nothing to ANYONE. The children deserve a break. Even if they are W&K’s children.

    Happy Birthday, Louis. I hope you like the cake.

    • Deanna says:

      Agreed, GG.

    • Aria says:

      What negative enegry. We are saying the fact of brf . They have generation after generation how they treat heir and spare differently. That’s the sad reality. How they treat andy his daughter now how Sussex are treated. In this site web often discuss this. No one here hate cambriges children. We are sad for Charlotte and Louis because we know how coutiers will treat them , they wont magically treat Charlotte and Louis has equal to prince george. These are facts. Sussex fans never I’ll wished on any of cambriges children only cambriges stan does that with archie and claiming archie is not harry son.

      • Tessa says:

        Charlotte probably had to be told why she could not join George in preparing pudding with her father, grandfather, and great grandmother. Louis was too young then possibly to care.

      • GG says:

        @ARIA, my point is that the BRF facts are unnecessary on this post. We are aware of how “spares” have been treated historically but none Of us have a crystal ball with which we can predict the future with absolute certainty. So why make a point out of all the doom and gloom Louis has to look forward to in his life? That’s the negative energy to which I was referring to. I agree that H&M are treated completely unfairly and Archie is an innocent babe who has been the victim of violently racist attacks before his first birthday. That doesn’t change my opinion that the facts of life within the BRF are not important reminders on a child’s birthday post.

      • yinyang says:

        I agree with you Aria, Cambridge stans are something else, (I hate to repeat it but) repeatedly after wishing Louis Happy Birthday, they called Archie crossed eye, like wtf?? Meghan stans don’t do that. I think Archie is going to be very handsome when he’s fully grown, he’s a future heartbreaker, so there!

      • Aria says:

        GG my original comment about this because in above comment that person said I worry about Charlotte and Louis future. For that only I comment this. I didn’t open this conversion.

      • Nic919 says:

        No one is criticizing Louis or the happiness he shows in his photos. If you want blind adoration that ignores the machinations of the BRF and controlled press image they have for all things, including a child’s photo, then you are on the wrong site. Kate and William literally don’t care if you live or die so the energy used to defend the actions of people who will never even know you exist is really extra. It doesn’t make you a better person. It makes you a pawn in a system that promotes white supremacy.

      • Amy says:

        But aren’t Anne and Charles super close? I also thought Charles and Edward are close too. It’s just Andrew Charles doesn’ get along with right? Also William and Harry were super close until recently and no one knows the details of what happened or if they will start to get along again. So nothing is to say that George, Charolette and Louie wont’ be like Charles, Anne, and Edward. Or they could be like Charles and Andrew but that is true of any family.

      • Tessa says:

        Charles was said to complain that his parents did not treat him more “special.” The Queen favors Andrew. I think the one that treated Charles as “special” was his Grandmother the QUeen Mum. Diana herself did not want William treated more special and was not happy when she saw the Queen Mum making more of a fuss over WIlliam. I don’t think Harry and William were as close as the spin has made them out to be. WIlliam would make snippy comments about him and I think he wanted to call the shots for Harry. Harry finally could not take WIlliam’s attitude which got worse after Harry did not cater to William’s opinions about Meghan. I think William always had this unkind streak in him. And I think he is on track to treat George more special and agreed to the “dynastic” photo ops.

    • damejudi says:

      I don’t know. In my upbringing (middle-class, midwestern), my parents definitely categorized us by age- “Jane is the oldest, so…” The oldest in our family had their own bedroom, but had more responsibilities.

      Sibling birth order stuff-I don’t think it’s limited to the BRF, but it definitely happens. And theirs is on a more public stage, so it’s visible.

      • yinyang says:

        I have to agree with you there, I was raised where simply the oldest gets first choice and I’m guilty of doing it myself, it’s hard to come away from and you really need to train yourself not to, but in the end the oldest doesn’t have a false sense of entitlement, which is worth it.

    • Amy says:

      Nicely said GG

    • Other Renee says:

      +1 GG.

      Also, Kate has never professed to be a professional photographer, so I never understand why people feel the need to criticize her photos as “non-professional.” She is a mother who enjoys taking pics of her kids and she shares some of them with the public. End of story.

    • songbirds_thrive says:

      Yep, let’s hope for the sake of the cute Cambridge kids that their parents get something right, for a change. Their kids are the best of ’em. Hopefully, they will lay off heavy papping of them for media favors. It is what it is with the bad old ancient traditions of the royal firm. But there may be hope with some of the groundedness and strong family unit espoused by the Middletons (despite Carole Middleton’s worst tendencies).

      Let’s hope for the kids’ sakes they will grow up strong and able to overcome the worst character faults, insecurities and emotional baggage of their parents.

  35. yinyang says:

    He’s is mini Kate, same eyes, nose, lips, face shape, everything. How could anyone not see it?? lol. Out the kids George is the best looking imo. But this one is Kate’s secret favorite I think.

    • Tessa says:

      I think they all look like Middletons. I see a lot of Carole in Charlotte and a lot of Michael in George and Louis.

      • yinyang says:

        So many say Michael Middleton, Louis has similar features but his LIKENESS all I see is Kate. But George I think looks similar to Michael. Resemblance is like an optical illusion half see one thing, half see another, it’s so fun. Charlotte is a mini Carole with William’s face shape.

      • Tessa says:

        Charlotte seems to me to be looking more and more like Carole as she gets older.

  36. MellyMel says:

    Cute kid!! He looks so much like Kate’s dad.

  37. Spicecake38 says:

    Slap a pink barrette in his hair and he’s a dead ringer for my daughter at that age ,so I’m going to admit a soft spot for this little guy.
    No matter who he resembles he’s got a certain spark or light that I see on camera-extra engaging or something.Happy birthday to him.

  38. Rachel says:

    The kid-drawn rainbows are all over New York City, too. It’s not just the UK.

    • Lauren says:

      I think the trend might have started in Italy? I’ve seen them around my neighborhood in Rome while grocery shopping since early March and in several newspaper articles. My cousin who lives in Spain also sent me pictures of her daughters drawing and painting rainbows to put on their balconies.

      • Elisa says:

        I agree, I first saw pics with rainbows from Italy a few weeks ago on social media and then suddenly there were pics from my city (Vienna) as well.
        It’s the same as with the clapping for carers, my neighbourhood still does it every day at 6 pm, and it also started in Italy. 🙂

  39. S808 says:

    Louis is such a cutie!

  40. Emmitt says:

    Charlotte looks Windsor; George and Louis look Middleton.

  41. coffeeisgood says:

    He looks like George’s twin! I do think all three kids look all Middleton, which is a good thing because the Windsor’s don’t age well.

  42. Amy says:

    He is an adorable little boy. I don’t pay any attention to the middletons so I don’t know who the kids look like but I really think they are cute and seem to have fun little personalities.

    I also like that Kate takes their official pictures, it makes them more personal and highlights the little people more then a professional picture does. And yeah she isn’t an amazing photographer but a person can love doing something and be interested in it and not actually be amazing at it.

    Anyway adorable kid

  43. Aria says:

    Also one thing when Sussex was bashed for releasing their statement because of court case during pandemic . Every tabloids and cambriges stan bashed them for selfish they are and how bad they are. In what world releasing picture of prince Louis birthday is going to help the pandemic . Cambriges are not selfish to point out that many kids wont have birthday or garden to celebrate with their parents. Again only Sussex did those its crime and how cambriges does the same everyone should fawn over.

    • Amy says:

      Honestly? They put a picture of their kid on instagram. How novel! I mean people are doing that constantly. And the statement the Sussex put out had a tone of anti media which is not great with the timing.

      If the Sussex released a picture of Archie on their instagram no one would care. I mean sure some people would but I mean you’re upset the Cambridge did it. Like context matters also not everything the Cambridge does has to do with the Sussex and everything the Sussex do isn’t about the Cambridge. I don’t know why people can’t let them be separate.

      • Aria says:

        Lol I’m just pointing out the hypocrisy of double standard. Let’s see what they say about archie birthday photo. Cambriges stans and british tabloids bashed Sussex for releasing the statement when they send it to editors and those editors made it into big issue and accused them of selfish to release during pandemic. I’m asking the same as how different is that cambriges releasing photo of Louis is different than I’ll timing release of statement?? Is pandemic over in uk today that why tabloids focusing on prince Louis birthday not on nhs??

      • Amy says:

        Ok lets be honest Stans of W&K and H&M are all horrible. It is just a fact. Stan’s of Beyonce or Taylor Swift are horrible if you are stan regardless of who you are typically unhinged and horrible.

        that is why you are a Stan and not a fan. A Stan can’t see anything negative about their fave or be critical, a Stan has to constantly compare and bring their favorite up in discussions about who they view as a competitor to their fave.

        Fans just move on and talk about the topic.

        And anyone who says something negative about a child is a horrible person. Full stop

      • Aria says:

        When did I ever said i was Sussex stan. I’m not even any celebrity fan. I enjoy Sussex and just point out the hypocrisy of Sussex coverage vs cambriges. These are fact not my imaginary statements. I’m just asking how is their statement is different from cambriges photo. Last time I check pandemic is still here. Oh I forget prince louis is white and his parents are savior of white race but when biracial women does that its horrible she uses pandemic to her advantage.

      • Amy says:

        @aria i never said you were a Stan. I was just pointing out that any Stan is unreasonable or nuts. If you are just a fan or like someone you are able to be objective about people and go that is wrong, that was great or not really care.

        The you in my second paragraph was a general generic you not meaning you personally. Sorry if that did not come across

      • DarlingDiana says:

        Amy as a fan of both couples I know that each have flaws. They are all human.
        Stanning anyone is a mental disorder.

      • Monia says:

        Aria’s a bit, you know… Fixated.

      • Jules says:

        @Amy, what you say about stans and fans is so perfect. Although the line seems to be getting blurrier. I am neither a fan or stan of anyone in the royal family, I see them all as pawns acting out their different roles in an archaic and dying institution. But many people seem blind to their faults and are overly loyal to something they think they see.

    • Kate says:

      Lord, @Aria. Take a nap or something.

      • Aria says:

        Same to you honey.

      • yinyang says:

        Aria, I think a few commenters come here, are the same ones spouting off their mouths at DM about Meghan, and bigging up Kate, than come here and say how dare you say something bad about Kate blah blah blah and preach and take no accountabilty. I also think a lot of the Kate stan comments are the same person pretending to be different people, the syntax seem to be the same in a lot of these comments…

    • Melty says:

      What world do you post pictures of your child on Instagram on their birthday, especially when you are part of the British Royal Family? How about this world. I mean everyone is posting all sorts of pictures now royal and not royal and it seems doubly important now most are stuck inside. It’s something nice to look at instead of the pandemic news. It doesn’t compare to writing trashy tabloids you are not going to speak to them. They don’t compare in tone or seriousness. I realize people like the Sussexes a lot on here, but it seems to me if you want to give them their chance to shine you don’t do it by constantly comparing them to the Cambridge’s, even in the negative tone. They are their own people. They are in the US now; on to other ventures as soon as the pandemic news cycle wanes a bit. The story above is fine, but the comments are a bit over the top. I hope in a few days when we get Archie bday pics and wishes people on here remember the tone.

      • Aria says:

        Why it’s hard to understand . I have no problem with cambriges releasing photo of Louis. I’m just pointing out that hypocrisy of tabloids and cambriges stans who bashed at them for releasing this statement during pandemic. Same tabloids point that harry is not with Charles during his sickness meanwhile William was not near Charles. I have no problem with kids and I wish them well. My problem is the way some people and tabloids always bashed Sussex do and praise cambriges does the same.

      • DarlingDiana says:

        In looking forward to pics of Archie. The stark contrast in comments will be evident.

      • Ennie says:

        Now that you mention it… Have people stopped mentioning the Sussexes In this little kid birthday’s posts on the “other” side?
        Ok, I took a peek, and a. Comment “I love how the Cambridges take control (referring to pics)” . that’s what many hate the Sussexes for!
        In other site I peeked the comments are awful against an innocent kiddo. No, comments here are leveled and actually tame. Let the celwbitchies be.

      • songbirds_thrive says:

        @Melty said:
        “… if you want to give them their chance to shine you don’t do it by constantly comparing them to the Cambridge’s…”

        ^^ The comparisons and double standards are being orchestrated against the Sussexes mainly and chiefly by the British tabloid media and RR.

        It would be good if the falling out between the brothers could be repaired at some point. But something very bad happened and the media is involved, and racism is involved, leaking and Royal Foundation issues are involved, and it got ugly.

        I also think Harry is disappointed in William over his cheating against Kate. And no one in Harry’s family stood up to speak out against the media dragging his own wife, Meghan, during her first pregnancy, as an older mother at that! It is what it is.

        Whether all the details ever come out remains to be seen, because the British monarchy always protects the direct heirs to the throne, at all costs.

        Ultimately, the courtiers and the senior royals apparently felt (and still feel) for the time being that Harry and his wife, who was never fully accepted by everyone, are expendable.

        The Sussexes shined and continue to shine too brightly, without even trying. Especially W&K couldn’t be chill with that and simply put up a united front.

  44. Case says:

    Will and Kate have the cutest kids. All three of them are just over-the-top adorable, and look a lot like Kate.

  45. Awkward symphony says:

    Notice how their media pals arent claiming they are “pretentious or something about how they are celebrating during a pandemic🙄 that’s only reserved for the family with the biracial woman.
    Louis looks cute and I feel sorry for him thinking about how he will be USED all his life to take the pressure off others. I mean just look at the Expeess and the articles they were writing lately like about how kate has changed since Meghan came or how she’s the boss in cambridges household.
    The keenbridges will have to keep selling their kids for good publicity knowing how they no longer generate much clicks on their own.

  46. Linda says:

    Such a precious cutie.

  47. Original Leigh says:

    He’s adorable and looks just like George and Charlotte! See… the Cambridge’s are good at something. lol

  48. MeghanNotMarkle says:

    Louis is freaking adorable in these photos. Happy birthday, kiddo!

  49. Blerg says:

    He looks like Kate’s dad.

  50. Ennie says:

    Do royal photographers get er… royalties from their pics being used? What about Kate? She has the copyright of her children’ Pics

    • 7Ann says:

      Yes Kate has the copyright and she got a lot of heat because of that. the cartel wanted that money