Why Prince Louis' Birthday Photos Are Especially Poignant, According to a Body Language Expert
Not just cute, also meaningful!
Prince Louis turned five years old on April 23 (an Earth sign like his mom!), and Prince William and Princess Kate released two brand new photos of him to mark the happy occasion.
The first shows Louis having the time of his life in a wheelbarrow, with his mother looking sweetly over him, and the second is a close-up of the little boy grinning.
Body language expert Judi James has taken a closer look at the first shot, and concluded that it's not just an adorable photo—but that it actually tells us a lot about the relationship between Kate and Louis.
A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)
A photo posted by on
"This looks like such a sweetly telling shot with some underlying hints of poignancy as Kate watches her youngest child begin to grow up and become increasingly independent," James told Express.
The expert continued, "Kate has chosen to lean into shot, pushing Louis in a wheelbarrow and although this is clearly part of a game they are both enjoying there are enough poignant echoes of the days when she was pushing him in a pram [stroller] to suggest she might be quietly reluctant to see her third and possibly last child grow up too soon."
Indeed, while Louis is still a very young child, he is no longer a toddler. As for Prince George, 9, and Princess Charlotte, 7, they're looking more grown-up by the day—as exemplified by George's big role in King Charles' coronation.
"One striking body language point is that Kate is in the birthday pose with her adored son Louis, when she has previously tended to be behind the camera in her children’s celebratory snaps, meaning George, Charlotte and Louis have always been reacting directly to her rather than any external prompting," James said.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"Louis, though, is looking away and smiling rather than at the camera, which is in keeping with his signature levels of social confidence and playfulness."
Louis has become famous for his hilarious antics, and clearly assumes the role of incorrigible jokester among his siblings. Obviously, I hope we see more of that side of him during the coronation.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Here's Where Textured Hair Education in America Stands in 2025
Meet the leaders behind the movement for more equitable hair care.
By Kayla Greaves Published
-
We Can't Promise You Won't Get Nightmares After Watching These 32 Great But Terrifying Paranormal Movies
Bring on the jump scares.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Rihanna Lets Her Curls Out to Play In a New Fenty Beauty Campaign.
Fenty Beauty is releasing a new product and Rihanna showed off her natural hair to help promote it. See the look here.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself
"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Elizabeth's Final Birthday Gift to Kate Middleton Was a Precious Heirloom With Specific Rules Attached
The present, which was from the Queen's private collection, "brought tears to Kate's eyes."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
How Princess Kate Broke Tradition with Her Stunning 43rd Birthday Photo
The Princess of Wales posed for a black-and-white pic by one of her favorite photogs.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
The Surprising Word Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis's Nanny "Is Banned" From Using
It's not what you might expect.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Is the "Ultimate Nepo Baby," According to Spice Girl Mel B's Daughter Phoenix
"There's been rising anger in recent years—almost to the point of obsession on social media."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Prince Andrew Has Been Reported to the Police Over a Fake Name and Business Venture
Get ready to meet the royal's alter ego, "Andrew Inverness."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Won't Let the "Looming Responsibility" of Becoming Queen "Take Her Away" From Her Children
The Princess of Wales is putting her kids before the monarchy.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Daughter Lilibet Has Already Entered Her "Princess Phase"
The Sussexes are very "down-to-earth" parents, according to a family friend.
By Amy Mackelden Published