Next month will see the Prince and Princess of Wales’s youngest son Prince Louis celebrate his sixth birthday – and usually, their children’s birthdays are marked with the release of a new photo of them
The Prince and Princess of Wales are believed to be keen to carry on a sweet tradition when their youngest son Prince Louis celebrates his birthday next month.
Louis turns six on April 23 and according to reports, William and Kate are understood to be determined not to let the recent furore change how they mark the day. A source says they are still expected to release a photo of the youngster to celebrate his special day. It would come after Kate’s apology for the manipulated family picture issued by Kensington Palace last week on Mother’s Day. It was withdrawn with a ‘Kill’ notice by international picture agencies and the UK’s Press Association news agency.
But an aide told The Sunday Times: “They appreciate the public’s love and affection for their children and know there is a public appetite to see them on their birthdays.” They also added that “no firm decision” had been made on whether Kate would take the photo, or if a professional photographer would get the job.
Meanwhile, it has also been reported that friends of Kate say she may speak about her health on public engagements. She underwent surgery at the London Clinic on January 16, but details of her condition have been kept private, and she is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter.
Those close to Kate and the Prince of Wales say the couple will disclose more information about her recovery in due course, according to The Sunday Times, which reports her return is expected after April 17. A source told the newspaper: “They are at their most open when out interacting with members of the public and I can see a world in which the princess might discuss her recovery out on engagements. If she was going to do it, that’s how she would do it.”
A friend reportedly said: “They will want to be clear and more open, but they’ll do it when they feel ready. I would expect that to be her instinct and it will be her call. They’re not going to be rushed.”
William will also take time away from public duties during their children’s Easter holiday, the newspaper reported. Kate was admitted to the London Clinic – the private hospital where the King underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate – for planned abdominal surgery. She left the hospital on January 29 – almost two weeks later – and returned to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
Details of the princess’s condition have not been revealed but Kensington Palace previously said it was not cancer-related and that Kate wished her personal medical information to remain private. Kensington Palace declined to comment.
