Catherine, Princess of Wales
Louis’ birthday portrait is more than just a photo
Catherine, Princess of Wales
© Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
It’s so much more than just a birthday photo: On April 23, 2024, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Prince William will release a new portrait of Prince Louis. This time, Mama Kate was once again behind the camera – sending a clear message.
For years, Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, has been the photographer of the pictures that Kensington Palace traditionally publishes on the birthdays of Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 6. Catherine and Prince William, 41, also congratulated their youngest child on his sixth birthday with a new picture. In addition to the congratulations, the photo conveys some important messages.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, won’t let herself be downplayed – ever
Unlike past birthday portraits, the new photo of Louis could have a bitter aftertaste: After the Mother’s Day photo that the palace published on Instagram on March 10, Catherine had to publicly admit that she had subsequently edited the picture. The speculation about the Princess of Wales had become too great. In the run-up to Louis’ birthday, experts speculated whether the Waleses would say goodbye to their beloved tradition in the future and refrain from publishing private photos of their children. Louis’ congratulations took a relatively long time to arrive.
While Kate and William usually published the news on the eve of their respective birthdays, the little prince’s radiant smile only appeared on his fans’ screens at midday on April 23rd. Instead of passing the file to the Royal Rota journalists first – as usual – the Waleses seem to have decided to publish it on their own. Can this be seen as revenge on the press who criticized the Princess of Wales so much after the Mother’s Day photo? That remains a matter of interpretation. But one thing is certain: Catherine plays by her own rules – and she does so incredibly carefully and skillfully.
Just seconds after publication, royal correspondents and fans pounced on the new post. There is one question in particular in the digital space: Did Catherine also edit this photo? Initial indications suggest that she has refrained from doing so – and underline that the Princess of Wales has learned from the recent past. In this way, Kate combines the two most important things in the reappraisal: she cleverly avoids another faux pas and at the same time sticks to years of tradition.
Kate makes herself vulnerable in her most vulnerable moments
After the PR drama surrounding the Mother’s Day photo, Catherine made her cancer public. It is probably the hardest time of her life that she is now going through. The loving congratulations to her youngest child are part of a tradition that has been maintained for years and that Kate doesn’t want to miss despite everything. Louis’ new photo underlines her desire for normality and her courage to once again face the critical eyes of the public – despite her vulnerability.
Journalist Richard Palmer writes about Louis’ new photo: “The picture is unedited, they say,” while royal correspondent Chris Ship comments: “It was apparently taken by the Princess of Wales in Windsor last week.” Instead of hiring a professional photographer, Catherine stood behind the camera herself again – and in doing so makes herself vulnerable in a certain way. Instagram then confirms that she took the photo with a camera emoji and Kate’s name under the photo.
The fact that she is exposing herself to public criticism makes it clear what the future queen is already concentrating on: what is important for the monarchy. Kate is approachable and vulnerable to her people. She admits mistakes and tries to avoid them in the future. She is fighting cancer and yet does everything for her family. And above all, Catherine shows: I’m not giving up.
Sources used: instagram.com, twitter.com