Prince William and Kate Middleton's youngest child, Prince Louis, turns 2 years old today! And of all their children, he definitely seems like the most laid back. But if the new photos that the couple recently shared to Instagram are any indication, he's definitely a bit of a rascal.
William and Kate have been pretty proactive about making sure their children aren't too overexposed so far, and we really don't know a lot about their youngest son. This will likely change as he gets older. But it is clear that, like many a child his age, he's definitely fond of finger painting. Especially when it means he can make a big mess!
The palace released new photos of Louis yesterday in anticipation of his big day today. The images were captured by Kate, who definitely has skills as a photographer. In the photos, Louis is flashing his signature mischievous smile and has his hands painted with rainbows. The significance of the rainbow-themed paintings was a bit of a mystery for many at first.
It turns out that rainbows are just part of Louis' patriotic duty right now! Lots of children in the UK have been putting rainbows in the windows of their homes to help lift the spirits of others during the current health crisis and to show support for the National Health Service. Right now, citizens of Britain can leave their homes only two times a day: one time to exercise and one time to get essentials.
People magazine explained: "Like millions of children across the U.K., Louis has been showcasing his artistic skills by making rainbow-colored paintings in support of National Health Service (NHS) workers and other essential workers tackling the coronavirus pandemic across the country."
The family of five is currently living at their country home Anmer Hall, which is in Norfolk, and it seems that Louis and his siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, have been up to some arts and crafts while there.
Kensington Palace had a little bit of fun with the art and shared photos on Twitter and Instagram that showed before and after shots ("Instagram Vs Reality") of Prince Louis' painting adventure.
It sounds like Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis have been pretty busy while staying in Norfolk. Like many parents, Prince William and Kate are finding themselves suddenly needing to balance working from home with educating their children. The two busy parents recently shared that "homeschooling is fun" but that they recently "kept it going through the holidays" (children in the UK typically get an Easter break each year).
Kate even echoed what a lot of parents are thinking and feeling right now. "The children have got such stamina, I don’t know how, honestly. You get to the end of the day, you write down all the list of the things you’ve done in that day, you sort of pitch a tent, take the tent down again, cook, bake, you get to the end of the day, they’ve had a lovely time, but it is amazing how much you can cram into one day, that’s for sure."
It also sounds like Louis is always ready to help his mom and dad out with their many online meetings! William said that Louis just can't help himself. "For some reason, he sees the red button and he always wants to press the red button."
That sounds about right!
William and Kate also noted that it's particularly hard to be separated from the rest of their family, but that being able to get online has helped. William said, "We’ve been talking to all the family online. And it’s been a really good way of keeping in touch and seeing each other. As you can imagine, the younger generation are a little bit more tech-savvy, but only just, I think we’re getting there now."
He went on to add, "The family are getting a little bit more used to be able to contact each other and pressing the right buttons and not dropping the computer halfway through."
Kate also said that being able to have family meetings online has made it easier for their children. "It’s so true. And I think your father and my parents and our families … have really loved keeping in touch with the children because it’s really hard. It gets a bit hectic, I am not going to lie, with a 2-year-old."
Last year, the palace also shared photos of Louis that Kate had taken to celebrate his first birthday. A source close to the couple shared, "He really is the most cheerful, smiley little boy – he’s always so happy and content."
Louis also celebrated his first birthday in Norfolk.
The family also shared a photo of the young prince while he was still new to walking. The family had visited the RHS Back to Nature Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show, and Louis happily toddled around.
"Her Royal Highness is a strong advocate for the proven benefits the outdoors has on physical and mental health, and the positive impact that nature and the environment can have on childhood development in particular."
While this year's birthday party will surely be a little different for Louis, like millions of children around the world he will probably adapt just fine. Happily, his family can still mark the occasion no matter where they are, as Prince Charles did while posting this photo alongside the caption, "A very Happy Birthday to Prince Louis, who turns two today. The young Prince enjoys a hug from his Grandfather, The Prince of Wales."
