The Prince and Princess of Wales celebrated a special milestone on Tuesday as they unveiled a delightful new photo of their youngest son, Prince Louis, in honor of his sixth birthday.

Captured by his mother, Princess Catherine, the charming image was taken just days prior at Windsor and showcases the young prince’s infectious smile.

In the unedited portrait, Louis is seen lounging on a cozy fleece blanket, dressed in a smart checkered shirt paired with blue shorts.

A noticeable gap in his lower teeth hints that he has recently lost a baby tooth, adding to his endearing charm.

Kensington Palace shared the image with a heartfelt message, wishing Prince Louis a happy sixth birthday and thanking everyone for their kind wishes.

Royal enthusiasts across the nation were quick to comment on how much Louis has grown.

Many pointed out the telltale gap in his teeth, suggesting that the tooth fairy had been busy.

Comments flooded in, with fans affectionately dubbing him “boss baby” and noting how he was becoming quite the little gentleman.

Dressed in a stylish casual shirt reminiscent of his father, Prince William, Louis also bears a striking resemblance to his grandfather, Michael Middleton.

Supporters of the royal family praised Princess Catherine for once again stepping behind the camera to capture a memorable moment for her children’s birthdays, continuing a cherished family tradition.

This year’s celebration comes at a particularly poignant time for the Wales family, following Catherine’s recent announcement regarding her cancer diagnosis.

The revelation took many by surprise, and the couple has been navigating this challenging period with grace and dignity.

Despite the family’s request for privacy during Catherine’s recovery, they felt compelled to share Louis’s birthday photo as a gesture of gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received.

A royal source indicated that while the family is mindful of their need for space, they wanted to express their appreciation through this heartfelt image.

Traditionally, the Wales family marks their children’s birthdays with the release of new photographs, often taken by Catherine herself, who has a passion for photography.

However, this year, the timing of the photo release was notably different, reflecting the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the family.

As the princess continues her treatment, it is expected that similar considerations will be made for Princess Charlotte’s upcoming birthday in May.

In past years, the family has consistently shared images on the eve of their children’s birthdays, but this year’s approach signals a shift in how they manage public engagements amidst personal challenges.

Earlier this year, Louis has been seen in various playful settings, from painting to riding his bike, showcasing his vibrant personality.

However, some speculated that the decision not to release an image on the eve of his birthday might have been influenced by the backlash following a previous family photo release.

Just last month, a Mother’s Day photo featuring Catherine with her three children sparked controversy due to editing discrepancies.

After the image was criticized for inconsistencies, Catherine acknowledged the mistakes and apologized for any confusion caused, highlighting the pressures that come with public scrutiny.

In late March, amid swirling rumors about her health, Catherine revealed in a video message that she was diagnosed with cancer following surgery.

While she did not disclose specific details about her condition, she shared that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy as advised by her medical team.

As the family navigates this difficult chapter, their commitment to sharing moments of joy, like Prince Louis’s birthday, serves as a reminder of the strength found in familial bonds, even in trying times.