'It Will Be A Very Special Day': Inside Prince Louis' Third Birthday, How Prince William & Kate Middleton Will Celebrate
Two weeks after the sad passing of Prince Philip, the royals finally have something to celebrate: Prince Louis' third birthday on Friday, April 23.
And Prince William and Kate Middleton want to make the milestone one to remember. “The family’s been in mourning over Prince Philip, but plans are in motion to make Louis’ birthday a festive affair,” says an insider, noting that the late Duke of Edinburgh — who died at age 99 on April 9 — would have wanted the party to go on without him.
"Philip adored his great-grandchildren," spills the insider, "and little Louis in particular always made him chuckle."
The sweet soirée is set to be a small and intimate gathering at Buckingham Palace, with Louis’ siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte on hand along with a few of his cousins, aunts and uncles.
The insider tells OK! the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are planning to treat guests to pony rides, a puppet show and a bubble-blowing contest, noting, “It will be a very special day.”
No detail will be overlooked. Louis’ great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, is said to be having her pastry chef prepare the birthday cake. “Word is, it will be decorated with marzipan zoo animals,” shares the insider. “Louis loves anything to do with nature.”
The monarch’s also making sure there will be no shortage of gifts. “The queen is always so thoughtful when it comes to presents for her great-grandchildren,” the insider reveals, adding that Louis, George, 7, and 5-year-old Charlotte all love the playhouse she recently gave them.
"Her birthday treat for Louis will be no exception," the source continues. "This celebration is a bright spot for her, and she wants to make it special for the young Prince Charming who’s making her smile again."
An insider previously told OK! the queen, who turned 95 on April 21, has a special relationship with Louis. “She’s been helping him learn how to ride horses,” shares the insider, “and has taught him things like how to handle the reins. Her Majesty is thrilled she can share one of her life’s greatest passions with Louis.”
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Louis is known to be quite the charmer. “By all accounts, he’s a sociable little fellow and fearless too,” says the insider. "His curiosity knows no bounds.”
He’s also the mama’s boy of the family. “From the moment he was born, Kate’s heart melted,” the insider reveals, adding that the tot also has a close bond with his dad. “They play soccer and watch the games on TV. Louis gets really into it! It’s fun for him to jump up and down when Dad's team scores."
As the youngest, he's often the center of attention — occasionally to big sister Charlotte's chagrin! "Of course she adores Louis, but she also loves being in the spotlight," dishes the insider.
"Charlotte's a confident and competitive girl, but that's a trait shared by many of the Windsors, including her great-aunt Princess Anne." George is the shy one of the bunch. "He usually lets Charlotte have her way," explains the insider, "but Louis is gentle with him, so they get along."
Louis has been homeschooling alongside his older sister and brother during the pandemic, but the insider says he will soon be starting in-person learning. “He’s excited about it,” says the insider.
“Going to nursery school and mingling with other children his age will be a good thing for him. He’s a fast learner, and he’s excelled in every subject, especially science," the insider adds. "Kate and William love to call him their family’s rising star!”
William, 38, and Kate, 39, have their hands full at home, but they wouldn’t want it any other way. “They’re very involved,” shares the insider, adding that while they handle the bulk of parenting duties, “they do have help, so they’re not totally overwhelmed.”
It’s a somber time as they grieve the loss of Philip, whom William called “an extraordinary man” in an April 12 tribute. But the insider says he and Kate feel it’s important to move forward — and a cheerful bash for Louis is the perfect occasion to do just that.
"It’s been hard not having Philip around, but the royals are a resilient family,” shares the insider. “Even when it’s difficult, they believe it’s important to get on with things.”
