Why Did Prince Louis' Birthday Photo Release Take Longer Than Usual? A Royal Expert Answers
Prince Louis' birthday photo wasn't shared until noon on April 23 in the United Kingdom, sparking speculation about the potential demise of a Wales birthday custom.
Following the scandal surrounding the Princess of Wales' Mother's Day photo last month, speculation arose among royal enthusiasts regarding the continuation of the tradition of capturing birthday portraits of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Typically, these photographs are taken by Kate. Concerns were heightened yesterday as Prince William and Kate remained notably quiet on Louis' sixth birthday for much of Tuesday. However, relief came around midday in the UK when a photo of young Louis, snapped by his mother, finally surfaced.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams suggests that the deviation from protocol likely stems from two primary factors. Firstly, the aftermath of the Mother's Day photo scandal, dubbed "Photogate" or "Katgate," may have influenced the decision. Secondly, Kate Middleton's recent cancer diagnosis announcement may have prompted her to prioritize her own needs, allegedly contributing to the delay in releasing the photo.
"This [would have been] a shame because of the vexed issue of her Mothering Day photograph," Fitzwilliams shared with The Daily Express. "The revelation that it was edited led to a highly embarrassing contretemps and the subsequent revelation that she was not only recovering from abdominal surgery but bravely fighting cancer. The video message when she revealed this was probably the bravest by any public figure about their health in Britain."
Debates behind closed doors may have discussed the most suitable course of action, Fitzwilliams suggested. He noted that the delay in releasing the photo might "emphasize her need for time, space, and privacy, which she expressed so movingly in the message, and after the misunderstandings of recent weeks, this should be universally understood."
