Prince Louis' new birthday photo leaves royal fans upset over one detail

Prince Louis turns eight today (23 April), and the Prince and Princess of Wales have released a sweet snap of their youngest to celebrate.

It is a tradition for Prince William and Kate Middleton to share new photos of their children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, on their birthdays.

Posting the latest pic on X, the official social media account for the Prince and Princess of Wales captioned it: "Happy birthday, Louis! 8 today!" Along with a balloon emoji.

According to ITV's Royal Editor Chris Ship, the adorable photo of the lad was 'taken on a family holiday in Cornwall earlier this year'. It was taken by photographer Matt Porteous.

He is seen standing next to the sea, leaning on a railing with his arms folded, in a navy blue jumper.

Fans have been rushing to share their thoughts about the new image of the young prince, with Kensington Palace also releasing a video montage taken during the holiday.

Many expressed their birthday wishes to Prince Louis, but others were upset by how grown up the youngster now looks.

One wrote: "Happy birthday louis! 8 already? That pic is adorable, kid's growing up fast!"

Another shocked fan marvelled: "Happy birthday to Louis! He looks so mature!"

"Just love Louis. How fast time flies. I can't believe he is 8 yr old today," exclaimed a third, as one X commenter added: "What a lovely photo, looking so grown up!"

"He's growing so fast!" someone else said, as another added sad emojis and captioned their post: "He isn’t a baby anymore."

Many commented about how the youngest is 'growing up way too fast', while others were debating over whether he looks more like his mum or dad.

One person compared Louis to his oldest sibling, Prince George: "All the children growing up so fast. George becomes a teenager in July!"

Some users shared some of the many iconic photos of Prince Louis that have come out over the years.

It comes after fans commented on how tall Prince George is becoming after the family was photographed at the Easter church service earlier this month.

One royal fan told the Princess of Wales that she thinks Prince George will eventually catch up with his dad, saying: "Do you know what I said to William, your husband? He’s going to be 6’4"

According to InStyle, the Princess is said to have laughed and replied: "I know, I swear, he’s catching up with everybody, isn’t he?"

Prince William is reported to be 6'3", with Kate Middleton at 5'9", and George appearing to be not far off already.

Prince Louis' birthday portraits over the years

Seven

Prince Louis was missing his front teeth in his seventh birthday snap (X/@KensingtonRoyal/Josh Shinner)

Six

The Princess of Wales took this image to mark his sixth birthday in 2024 (X/@KensingtonRoyal)

Five

Four

Kate was credited for this adorable pic of the young prince (X/@KensingtonRoyal)

Three

The royals said this photo was taken 'by The Duchess before he left for his first day of nursery' (X/@KensingtonRoyal)

Two

The Duchess also captured this heartwarming pic for his second birthday in 2020 (X/@KensingtonRoyal)

One