No Birthday Photo for Prince Louis: A Royal Tradition Broken

Royal enthusiasts across the globe are feeling a tinge of disappointment as Prince Louis, the youngest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, celebrates his sixth birthday without the customary photo release.

Since his birth on April 23, 2018, Kensington Palace has delighted fans with a new picture each year, snapped by his mother, Kate Middleton.

However, this year marks a notable departure from that cherished tradition.

The decision to forgo a birthday portrait appears to stem from the recent turmoil surrounding a family photo shared just weeks earlier.

On March 10, a picture featuring Kate and her three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and little Louis—was unveiled to commemorate Mother's Day.

Unfortunately, the joy was short-lived.

Hours after its release, several international photo agencies pulled the image due to concerns over its editing.

Critics pointed out discrepancies in the photo, such as the awkward alignment of Charlotte's hand and skirt, as well as the positioning of Kate's zipper.

In a rare admission, the Princess of Wales acknowledged the edits made to the photo and expressed regret for any confusion caused.

It's a stark reminder that even public figures face challenges with photography, much like amateur photographers who often dabble in editing.

Just days after the photo debacle, Kate made a shocking announcement about her health.

In a heartfelt video message, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer.

The 42-year-old future queen shared that she is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy following significant abdominal surgery in January, triggered by post-operative tests that indicated the presence of cancer.

Richard Fitzwilliams, a seasoned royal observer, speculates that the absence of a birthday photo for Louis is directly linked to the fallout from the Mother's Day photo incident and Kate's need for privacy during this challenging time.