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He isn't a baby anymore. On April 23, 2025, when the Prince Louis seventh birthday photo hit the official social media accounts of the Prince and Princess of Wales, royal watchers collectively gasped. Why? Because the "cheeky" little guy who used to cover his ears on the Buckingham Palace balcony now looks like a proper little man.
Honestly, it’s wild how fast it happens. One minute he’s a toddler on a balance bike, and the next, he's seven years old and sporting a gap-toothed grin that tells you everything you need to know about his personality.
The Story Behind the Shot
Usually, we expect Kate Middleton to be behind the lens. She’s a great photographer, and it’s been a longstanding tradition for her to take the official birthday portraits of George, Charlotte, and Louis. But for the Prince Louis seventh birthday photo, things were different. They hired a pro.
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Josh Shinner, the same photographer who did the family’s 2023 black-and-white Christmas card, was the man behind the camera. It’s a bit of a shift. Some people think it's because of the drama surrounding photo editing in the past, while others figure Kate just wanted to be "in the moment" with her youngest son during their Norfolk getaway.
The photo itself is super casual. No stiff suits or palace backdrops here. Louis is sitting on a tree trunk in a bluebell wood, looking every bit the Norfolk country boy. He’s wearing a khaki jumper over a checked shirt and—here’s the big talking point—a pair of long navy blue jeans.
Why the long pants matter
In British upper-class circles, there’s this unwritten rule that young boys wear shorts until they’re about eight. It’s a total "Sloane Ranger" thing. Seeing Louis in long trousers for a birthday portrait is a major signal that he’s moving into a new phase of childhood. He’s the "big kid" now.
That Famous Grin
You can't talk about the Prince Louis seventh birthday photo without mentioning the teeth—or the lack thereof. The photo shows Louis beaming, proudly displaying a very obvious gap where his two front teeth used to be. It’s the universal look of a seven-year-old.
It’s refreshing. Sometimes royal photos can feel a little too "curated," you know? This one felt real. It captured that awkward, charming stage where kids are losing teeth and growing into their limbs.
"Wishing Prince Louis a very Happy 7th Birthday!"
That was the simple caption that accompanied the image. But the palace didn't stop there. In a move that absolutely delighted the internet, they also dropped a short video. In it, you can hear Louis’s voice—which is still pretty rare—as he jumps off a fallen tree and explores the garden. He even tells the camera, "I can jump down from here!"
Growing Up in Norfolk
The shoot took place earlier in April 2025 in Norfolk, near the family's country home, Anmer Hall. If you follow the royals, you know Norfolk is their "happy place." It’s where they go to escape the intensity of London life.
It makes sense that Louis looks so relaxed. He’s spent a lot of time there lately, especially as the family navigated the Princess of Wales's health journey. Seeing him looking so happy and healthy was a bit of a "sigh of relief" moment for fans.
A Few Surprising Details
- The Middleton Genes: Everyone always says Louis looks exactly like his maternal grandfather, Michael Middleton. Looking at this photo, the resemblance is actually uncanny.
- The Timing: The photo wasn't sent to the press under embargo the night before, which used to be the standard. Instead, they just posted it directly to Instagram and X on the morning of his birthday. This seems to be the new "Wales way" of doing things—controlling the narrative directly.
- The Wardrobe: The khaki sweater is very much in line with the family’s "outdoor chic" aesthetic. It’s practical, rugged, and perfect for climbing trees.
What This Photo Tells Us About the Future
Prince Louis has always been the "wild card" of the family. He’s the one who makes faces at Trooping the Colour and dances in his seat at the Jubilee. But this portrait shows a slightly more composed side of him.
He’s still the "Lou Bug" (his mom’s nickname for him), but he’s clearly growing into his role. He’s fourth in line to the throne, after all. Even at seven, there’s a sense of "quiet confidence" beginning to emerge, even if it is delivered through a toothless smile.
If you’re looking to capture a similar vibe for your own family photos, Norfolk style, here are a few takeaways:
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- Go for natural light: No flashes, just that soft, overcast English sun.
- Ditch the poses: Sit them on a log, let them jump around, and catch the candid moments.
- Layers are key: A checked shirt under a jumper is timeless and looks great on camera without being too formal.
- Embrace the "imperfections": Missing teeth and messy hair are what make the photo memorable years later.
The Prince Louis seventh birthday photo wasn't just a picture; it was a status update. It told us he's growing up, he's happy, and despite the heavy year the family has had, things are moving forward.
Check out the official Prince and Princess of Wales social media accounts to see the video clip of him jumping—it’s honestly the highlight of the whole release. For more on the royal children's fashion, you can look into the brands they typically wear, like Trotters or Amaia Kids, though Louis is increasingly leaning into more "grown-up" high-street finds as he gets older.