Prince Louis is celebrating his 8th birthday and, as is tradition, an adorable new photograph has been released of the young royal.
Prince William And Kate shared a picture of their youngest son looking so grown-up on an Easter holiday to Cornwall earlier this month, writing: "Happy birthday, Louis! 8 today! [Balloon emoji]."
The picture was taken by the Wales's trusted photographer, Matt Porteous, during what appeared to be a family boat trip with Louis's older siblings, Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, 10. A grinning Louis was dressed in a Boden jumper to brace against the sea chill.
The youngster is often compared to the Middleton side of the family, particularly bearing a close resemblance to his grandfather, Michael Middleton. But the most recent photo sparked a different comparison…
Like father, like son!
Royal fans soon noted that Louis looked a lot like his father, Prince William, 43, at a similar age.
One fan shared a sweet comparison picture of a photograph of the now Prince of Wales taken on holiday in 1990, with his parents, the late Princess Diana and King Charles, and younger brother Prince Harry.
The picture was taken when William was eight, the same age as Louis now, onboard a yacht belonging to King Juan Carlos, the former King of Spain, in Mallorca.
William was seen with a toothy grin and with a sweeping fringe, looking very similar to his son. Noting this, one person wrote on social media: "Oh, all the kids have William's features."
© Getty ImagesAnother said: "Prince William and eight vs Prince Louis at eight." However, another fan insisted: "Louis looks like The Middletons."
Unseen family footage
The picture wasn't the only surprise in store for Louis's birthday on Thursday. Later in the day, William and Kate shared a special family video with moments featuring George, Charlotte, and Louis.
© Getty ImagesAn adventurous Louis was seen playing a game of cricket, playing in the sand, and jumping off a boat while wearing a wetsuit.
Alongside the video was the caption: "Thank you for all the birthday wishes for Prince Louis. 8 is great!" The video was also captured by Matt Porteous.
On Thursday, William stepped out to visit the British Formula E racing team in Oxfordshire; however, it's likely the family will all celebrate together after school at home in Forest Lodge, Windsor.
