Prince William and Kate Middleton's youngest son celebrates his birthday on April 23
Credit: The Prince and Princess of Wales/Instagram
Prince Louis is growing up fast!
The youngest son of Prince William and Kate Middleton turns 8 on April 23, 2026, but it feels like just yesterday that the Prince and Princess of Wales welcomed their third child. Over the years, Louis has gone viral for his dramatic expressions during his rare public appearances. His parents even poked fun at his antics during Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee festivities, captioning a social media post: "We all had an incredible time, especially Louis…👀."
Ahead, see Louis' best photos throughout his childhood as he celebrates his 8th birthday.
01 of 15
Newborn Again
Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty
Kate gave birth to Louis on April 23, 2018, and left St. Mary's Hospital in London with her baby boy wrapped up in her arms.
02 of 15
Making Faces
Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty
Louis started his eccentric expressions at an early age — just look at his scrunched-up face during his first Trooping the Colour flypast in 2019.
03 of 15
Wonder Boy
Credit: AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty
He held onto his mom's hand as the royal family of five attended the National Lottery's Pantoland, a special pantomime performance held to honor essential workers and their families during the pandemic.
04 of 15
Great-Grandma's Baby
Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage
For his great-grandmother's Platinum Jubilee celebration in 2022, Louis entertained the Queen with his big reaction to the Trooping the Colour flypast.
05 of 15
Oh Mother!
Credit: CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty
A few days later, during the Platinum Pageant, he gave his mom a loving kiss as they sat in the stands.
06 of 15
Jolly Holiday
Credit: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press/Getty
At age 4, Louis stepped out with the rest of his family for Christmas Day service for the first time.
07 of 15
Baby Blues
Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty
Louis matched with his mom in blue during Easter Sunday service in Windsor, England, in 2023.
08 of 15
Hands Up
Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty
At his grandfather's coronation, Louis waved both hands in the air as the family watched a flypast from Buckingham Palace's balcony.
09 of 15
Take a Bow (and Arrow)
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While the family volunteered during the Big Help Out in 2023, Louis picked up a toy bow and arrow to try his hand at archery.
10 of 15
Suits at Six
Credit: Mike Marsland/WireImage
A six-year-old Louis wore a suit and tie for the 2024 Trooping the Colour flypast, looking on with his family from the balcony.
11 of 15
Treat Yourself
Credit: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty
In December 2024, the young prince received an armful of holiday gifts from supporters of the royal family after they attended their traditional Christmas Day service at St. George's Chapel.
12 of 15
Up Close and Personal
Credit: The Prince and Princess of Wales/Youtube
In September 2024, his mother shared a message of gratitude for the support she received amid her chemotherapy treatment. The video featured candid clips of the family, including Louis leaning in close to the camera lens.
13 of 15
Lucky Seven
Credit: The Prince and Princess of Wales/Instagram
In a video shared for his 7th birthday, Louis showed off his missing front teeth and his playful spirit in a behind-the-scenes clip of his portrait shoot.
"I can jump down from there," he said in a rare clip of the prince speaking, before jumping from the top of a large log.
14 of 15
It's All Looking Up
Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage
Princess Kate returned her son's wide smile as the family watched the flypast to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
15 of 15
Smile and Wave
Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty
Ahead of the Trooping the Colour ceremony in 2025, Louis and his older brother were all smiles as they left Buckingham Palace.
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