It is a tradition for Prince William and Kate Middleton to share new photos of their children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, on their birthdays. Posting the latest pic on X, the official social media account for the Prince and Princess of Wales captioned it: "Happy birthday, Louis! 8 today!" Along with a balloon emoji. 

According to ITV's Royal Editor Chris Ship, the adorable photo of the lad was 'taken on a family holiday in Cornwall earlier this year'. It was taken by photographer Matt Porteous. He is seen standing next to the sea, leaning on a railing with his arms folded, in a navy blue jumper. Fans thought Prince Louis looked 'so grown up' (X/@KensingtonRoyal) Fans have been rushing to share their thoughts about the new image of the young prince, with Kensington Palace also releasing a video montage taken during the holiday. Many expressed their birthday wishes to Prince Louis, but others were upset by how grown up the youngster now looks. 

One wrote: "Happy birthday louis! 8 already? That pic is adorable, kid's growing up fast!" Another shocked fan marvelled: "Happy birthday to Louis! He looks so mature!" "Just love Louis. How fast time flies. I can't believe he is 8 yr old today," exclaimed a third, as one X commenter added: "What a lovely photo, looking so grown up!" "He's growing so fast!" someone else said, as another added sad emojis and captioned their post: "He isn’t a baby anymore."

Prince Louis was seen playing cricket on the beach, jumping into the sea and running on the sand (Instagram/@princeandprincessofwales) Many commented about how the youngest is 'growing up way too fast', while others were debating over whether he looks more like his mum or dad. One person compared Louis to his oldest sibling, Prince George: "All the children growing up so fast. George becomes a teenager in July!" 

Some users shared some of the many iconic photos of Prince Louis that have come out over the years. It comes after fans commented on how tall Prince George is becoming after the family was photographed at the Easter church service earlier this month.

Others couldn't believe that older brother Prince George will be a teenager in July (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images) One royal fan told the Princess of Wales that she thinks Prince George will eventually catch up with his dad, saying: "Do you know what I said to William, your husband? He’s going to be 6’4" 

According to InStyle, the Princess is said to have laughed and replied: "I know, I swear, he’s catching up with everybody, isn’t he?" Prince William is reported to be 6'3", with Kate Middleton at 5'9", and George appearing to be not far off already. 

Prince Louis' birthday portraits over the years Seven Prince Louis was missing his front teeth in his seventh birthday snap (X/@KensingtonRoyal/Josh Shinner) 

The Princess of Wales took this image to mark his sixth birthday in 2024 (X/@KensingtonRoyal)

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A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)

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Kate was credited for this adorable pic of the young prince (X/@KensingtonRoyal)

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The royals said this photo was taken 'by The Duchess before he left for his first day of nursery' (X/@KensingtonRoyal)

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The Duchess also captured this heartwarming pic for his second birthday in 2020 (X/@KensingtonRoyal)

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to share three new photographs of Prince Louis ahead of his first birthday tomorrow 🎈

The photographs were taken earlier this month by The Duchess at their home in Norfolk. pic.twitter.com/VOJ7rhKthz

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) April 22, 2019