Prince Louis’s Birthday Is Reportedly Causing a Major Concern for Kate Middleton & Prince William

Like many parents, Kate Middleton and Prince William are big on traditions with their kids.

Not to mention, traditions are part and parcel of being royal!

However, amid the recent backlash the British monarchy has received, their youngest son Prince Louis’s upcoming sixth birthday is reportedly causing a big problem according to people in the know.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JUNE 05: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Louis of Cambridge attend the Platinum Pageant on The Mall on June 5, 2022 in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JUNE 05: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Louis of Cambridge attend the Platinum Pageant on The Mall on June 5, 2022 in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
A source told The Sunday Times recently that Princess Kate and Prince William want to release a picture for Louis’s sixth birthday on April 23, like they always do. “They appreciate the public’s love and affection for their children and know there is a public appetite to see them on their birthdays,” an insider told the outlet, per Page Six.

More from SheKnows

However, after her recent UK Mother’s Day photo (supposedly taken by William) went viral for all the wrong reasons — it was heavily altered and Photoshopped, leading several leading photo agencies to issue a “kill notice” to not use the photo — the Prince and Princess of Wales are understandably a little worried. They are debating on whether or not they should take the photo themselves, as Middleton usually snaps the family photos, or if they should hire a photographer. According to the source, no “firm decision” has been made yet.

UK Mother’s Day Photo
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 17: Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales , Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince George of Wales on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023 in London, England. Trooping the Colour is a traditional parade held to mark the British Sovereign’s official birthday. It will be the first Trooping the Colour held for King Charles III since he ascended to the throne. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 17: Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales , Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince George of Wales on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023 in London, England. Trooping the Colour is a traditional parade held to mark the British Sovereign’s official birthday. It will be the first Trooping the Colour held for King Charles III since he ascended to the throne. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
The controversial Mother’s Day photo had over a dozen points where it was noticeably doctored, prompting Middleton to issue a statement on Twitter the next day: “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day.”

Of course, the reason this picture was such a big deal was because it was the first picture released since the princess’s planned abdominal surgery announcement on Jan. 17.

If they do decide to hire a photographer for Prince Louis’s birthday photo, it wouldn’t be the first time. Last year, Millie Pilkington captured the photo of Louis smiling in a wheelbarrow pushed by his mother. “Someone’s turning 5 tomorrow… 🎂 🥳 A very happy birthday to Prince Louis. 📸 @milliepilkingtonphotography,” the photo was captioned.

Birthday Traditions
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 08: Prince William, Prince of Wales is helped by Prince Louis of Wales (L) as he uses an excavator while taking part in the Big Help Out, during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut on May 8, 2023 in London, England. The Big Help Out is a day when people are encouraged to volunteer in their communities. It is part of the celebrations of the Coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as King and Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the other Commonwealth realms that took place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, 2023. (Photo by Daniel Leal – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 08: Prince William, Prince of Wales is helped by Prince Louis of Wales (L) as he uses an excavator while taking part in the Big Help Out, during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut on May 8, 2023 in London, England. The Big Help Out is a day when people are encouraged to volunteer in their communities. It is part of the celebrations of the Coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as King and Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the other Commonwealth realms that took place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, 2023. (Photo by Daniel Leal – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Even if the photo tradition is up in the air, there are other traditions that the royals will likely follow for Prince Louis’s birthday. In a BBC program with baking expert Mary Berry, Middleton revealed one way she makes her kids’ (including Prince George, 10, and Princess Charlotte, 8) birthdays special. “I love making the cake,” she said. “It’s become a bit of a tradition that I stay up ’til midnight with ridiculous amounts of cake mix and icing and I make far too much. But I love it.”

So sweet! And last year, an insider told Us Weekly, “Kate has organized a fun adventure-themed birthday party [for Louis] with all his school friends to celebrate the milestone, and she and William are also doing something family-orientated.”

“They always make birthdays special for their children and go the extra mile!” they added.

This year might look a little different, but we’re sure it’ll still be special!

Before you go, check out Prince Louis’ most hilariously chaotic moments.