A new photograph of Prince Louis was released by Prince William and Princess Kate today to mark his sixth birthday, but it was later than usual – and a Royal expert has suggested two reasons why

Princess Kate and Prince William’s delay in unveiling a new photo of Prince Louis on his sixth birthday, might be due to hesitations stemming from the Mother’s Day photo incident and the Princess needing some “time, space and privacy”, suggests a Royal expert.

Prince Louis was expected to spend his special day, yesterday, surrounded by his family after school. As it is customary, every year on Prince Louis’ birthday, the Prince and Princess of Wales release a new photo, typically taken by Catherine herself.

However, this year, Royal enthusiasts were left wondering if there would be no new image as the pair’s social medial profiles remained quiet until Tuesday lunchtime. But just before half past twelve, the royals posted an adorable new photo of Louis on their X account, captured by Princess Kate herself, to celebrate the young Prince’s birthday.

And now seasoned Royal commentator, Richard Fitzwilliams, has suggested there are two key reasons for the postponing.

He told the Express: “This [would have been] a shame because of the vexed issue of her Mothering Day photograph. The revelation that it was edited led to a highly embarrassing contretemps and the subsequent revelation that she was not only recovering from abdominal surgery but bravely fighting cancer. The video message when she revealed this was probably the bravest by any public figure about their health in Britain.”

Promoted Stories

Mr Fitzwilliams highlighted that there could have been debates over what would be the most appropriate course of action, suggesting that the postponement might “emphasise her need for time, space and privacy which she expressed so movingly in the message and, after the misunderstandings of recent weeks, this should be universally understood.”

Last month, the Princess of Wales sent shockwaves around the world with the announcement that she has been diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer. Kate described the diagnosis as a massive “shock” yet maintained a hopeful tone, stating: “I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits”. She also disclosed that she is currently receiving preventative chemotherapy treatment for her condition.