HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRINCE LOUIS!

As the Prince and Princess of Wales’ youngest son turns six, his big day will bring light relief in a difficult year for his parents

- REBECCA RUSSELL

He may be just approaching his sixth birthday, but Prince Louis has already secured his place in our affections. He’s a constant ray of sunshine, regularly entertaining the public and royal watchers alike with his cheeky antics, whether on the balcony at Buckingham Palace or out and about with his parents.

After a difficult and worrying few months for his family, during which both King Charles and Louis’ mother the Princess of Wales have been diagnosed with cancer, the little prince’s birthday on April 23 is certain to be a much-needed day of light relief – and an extra boost for his mum.

“I’m sure all the children will be bringing Kate much-needed joy and laughter at this difficult time,” former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond tells OK!. “Children are quite resilient and Louis in particular will be bound up most of the time in his own little world – which is the perfect distraction for Kate and indeed William.

“Kate will throw herself into making Louis’ sixth birthday as magical as possible, in the circumstances, and she’ll make sure all the attention is on him – not her. And that’s quite healthy. Dwelling on illness doesn’t really help anyone. So the children will be a significant part of Kate’s recovery.”

Echoing this sentiment, a source tells OK!, “William and Kate are trying to keep things as normal as possible for their children’s sake. They don’t want Kate’s diagnosis to overshadow the children’s lives and their happiness is very much their priority.