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Prince Louis will be turning seven on Wednesday, April 23, and the day promises to be a mixture of happiness and sentiment for his mother, Princess Catherine, aged 43. Like many parents, Catherine is grappling with how quickly time has flown. Reflecting on how much Louis has grown, she remarked, “I keep thinking Louis is a baby, but he’s a big boy now,” and added that it still feels like just yesterday he was an infant.
Birthdays in the royal household are traditionally cheerful and full of celebration, and Louis's birthday is no exception. However, this year the event carries added emotional weight, as it comes during a particularly challenging time for the Princess of Wales. Having recently completed preventive chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis, Catherine has remained resilient and committed to maintaining a joyful atmosphere for her family. Despite the difficulties she faces, her focus remains on making meaningful and memorable experiences for her children.
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Rather than an elaborate royal event, this year’s birthday celebration will be more subdued. Prince William has taken the lead in planning a quieter, family-centered celebration at home. This approach reflects the family’s desire to create a stress-free, warm environment for their youngest child, especially given Catherine’s ongoing health journey.
One tradition that continues regardless of scale is Catherine’s personal birthday ritual for her children. Known for her passion for baking, the princess shared that she has developed a routine she follows on the eve of each child’s birthday. She stays up late into the night, mixing and icing an abundance of cake, sometimes more than necessary, simply because she enjoys the process so much. “It’s become a bit of a tradition that I stay up till midnight with ridiculous amounts of cake mix and icing,” she shared enthusiastically. She also noted Louis’s favorite version of the “Happy Birthday” song, which she once revealed at an event held by the youth mental health charity, Youth Mentality.
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This seventh birthday will be a testament to the royal family’s determination to embrace joy and normalcy, even amidst adversity. Louis, affectionately called “Lou Bug,” will be surrounded by his siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, along with the love and support of the entire royal family and well-wishers from around the world.
Last year, Louis’s birthday was celebrated with an “animal adventure” themed party, reportedly attended by all his school friends. The event was a hit, filled with decorations, themed activities, and joyful energy. Despite the adjustments made for this year due to Princess Catherine’s health, the family remains committed to celebrating the occasion in a heartfelt way. A royal insider shared that Catherine and William always go out of their way to make birthdays memorable, and even with scaled-back festivities, this year will be no different in spirit.
Reports indicate that this year’s party still featured thoughtful touches, such as balloon decorations, themed entertainment, and sandwiches—keeping in line with Louis’s preferences. The celebration was curated to reflect a balance between royalty and ordinary childhood, aiming to give Louis a sense of normalcy and joy. He also received a unique outdoor obstacle course and a set of "pickle walls," emphasizing the family’s effort to focus on playful and age-appropriate gifts.
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Louis has also been the recipient of some truly special presents over the years. Among these is a pair of exclusive trainers, once gifted to Princess Catherine in 2019. The shoes, signed by the 1972 Wimbledon men’s singles champion, Stan Smith, bear a golden handwritten message: “To Louis.” Royal commentator Ingrid Seward described the trainers as “priceless,” although it’s unlikely Louis has ever worn them. Due to their value and historical significance, they are considered more of a keepsake than functional footwear. As Seward observed, Louis may not yet understand the importance of the gift, but it’s something he’ll likely treasure in his teenage years.
Considering the passage of time, Louis may have already outgrown the shoes, but their significance remains undiminished. With the growing popularity of classic and stylish items, such unique memorabilia will likely be cherished well into the future. The hope among royal watchers is that one day Louis—and his siblings—will be seen attending Wimbledon, perhaps even in the royal box, continuing the family’s public presence in meaningful ways. "I'm sure he will meet Stan there one day," added the commentator.
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Another extraordinary gift in Louis’s collection is a first edition of Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne, reportedly gifted to him by his uncle, Prince Harry. Royal biographer Phil Dampier noted that while the gift is incredibly precious, it’s likely Louis owns a more practical version for everyday reading. The original edition, being a collector’s item, would be carefully preserved rather than thumbed through by young hands. “It was lovely of Harry to give this precious book to Louis,” Dampier said, “but I expect he has also got a cheaper version so he can read it properly.”
Ultimately, Prince Louis’s seventh birthday is not only a joyful milestone but a reflection of the royal family's deep love and their efforts to give their children both magical memories and a sense of normal life. Even in the face of adversity, the focus remains on love, celebration, and the enduring stren
gth of family bonds.
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