BIRTHDAY BOY 'WE'LL SEE PRINCE LOUIS HAVE MORE FREEDOM'

AS THE YOUNGEST OF THE CAMBRIDGE CHILDREN, PRINCE LOUIS - WHO TURNS FOUR THIS WEEKEND - MAY BE ABLE TO GO HIS OWN WAY, SAYS ROYAL EXPERT JENNIE BOND

-  KIRSTY NUTKINS

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have certainly had a busy start to 2022, with a number of high-profile engagements including a royal tour of the Caribbean last month.

But this weekend, Kate, 40, and William, 39, will be spending some quality family time away from the limelight as they celebrate their youngest son Prince Louis's fourth birthday on 23 April.

Kate is expected to snap her own adorable portrait of Louis, as is tradition on each of her children's birthdays, which will be released for the special day.

Prince Louis made his first balcony appearance at Trooping the Colour in 2019

And royal expert Jennie Bond predicts that the family will decamp to Anmer Hall in Norfolk for the occasion, where they will make a huge fuss of him.

"I would imagine that they would take the opportunity to have a weekend in Norfolk - they are spending as much time as they can up there at the moment, when they can find the time in their schedules, and they've grown to really love it," Jennie told OK!.

"I would envisage a typical children's birthday party taking place, with lots of little tearaways running around, probably doing face-painting and making pizzas because Kate loves to get her kids involved in cooking and crafts."

Prince Louis will no doubt be spoiled with lots of presents on his birthday, too. Kate has previously alluded to her son's adventurous streak, and Jennie imagines his gifts will be of the sporting kind.