This is the real reason why we've not seen much of Prince Louis

Since the release of his first birthday portrait we want more!

Words by Maisie Bovingdon

Prince Louis melted hearts when official images of him were recently released to celebrate his first birthday on April 23, which has seen likenesses drawn between him and his mum Kate Middleton.

The trio of images, which capture the youngest Cambridge in his element laughing as he plays in the grass of their Norfolk home, marks the fifth time he has been thrust in the public eye.

Louis made his debut public appearance on the day he was born when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge posed on the steps of the Lindo wing with their little one, in Princess Charlotte's third birthday pictures, his christening in July, and then again in adorable family portraits to mark Prince Charles' 70th birthday.

Kate and Prince William decided not to bring their little one to the Christmas church service in Sandringham last year, which Prince George and Princess Charlotte also missed. Louis was absent from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding, as well as Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's ceremony.

But the question on everyone's lips is 'Why have we not seen more of Prince Louis?'

While it is believed Louis did not attend the two royal weddings so as not to steal the limelight from the newlyweds, there is said to be another reason.

Kate and William are keeping Louis out of the public eye in a bid to give them a 'normal' upbringing.

A royal insider told Us Weekly: 'William and Kate very much prioritise bringing up the children in as normal an environment as possible over anything else. They haven't lost sight of that.'

We totally get that, but... we still want to see more of his cheeky face.