• Prince Louis, who is celebrating his third birthday, smiles before his first day of attending Willcocks Nursery School, at Kensington Palace in London. AP Photo/Duchess of Cambridge
    Prince Louis, who is celebrating his third birthday, smiles before his first day of attending Willcocks Nursery School, at Kensington Palace in London. AP Photo/Duchess of Cambridge
  • A photo released by Kensington Palace of Prince Louis taken by his mother Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge in 2020. Reuters/The Duchess of Cambridge
    A photo released by Kensington Palace of Prince Louis taken by his mother Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge in 2020. Reuters/The Duchess of Cambridge
  • Prince Louis attends a special pantomime performance at London's Palladium Theatre with his father Prince William and mother Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, along with his siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince George in December 2020. Getty Images
    Prince Louis attends a special pantomime performance at London's Palladium Theatre with his father Prince William and mother Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, along with his siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince George in December 2020. Getty Images
  • Prince Louis sits on the lap of his mother, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, during a pantomime at London's Palladium Theatre in December 2020. Getty Images
    Prince Louis sits on the lap of his mother, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, during a pantomime at London's Palladium Theatre in December 2020. Getty Images
  • Prince Louis is held by his mother Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, as the family takes part in a clap for NHS carers for BBC Children In Need in April 2020. Getty Images
    Prince Louis is held by his mother Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, as the family takes part in a clap for NHS carers for BBC Children In Need in April 2020. Getty Images
  • Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, holds Prince Louis while Princess Charlotte plays during the King Power Royal Charity Polo Match at Billingbear Polo Club in Wokingham in July 2019. Getty Images
    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, holds Prince Louis while Princess Charlotte plays during the King Power Royal Charity Polo Match at Billingbear Polo Club in Wokingham in July 2019. Getty Images
  • Prince Louis is held by Queen Elizabeth, as she and Prince Philip pose with their great grandchildren. AFP
    Prince Louis is held by Queen Elizabeth, as she and Prince Philip pose with their great grandchildren. AFP
  • Prince William holds Prince Louis as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, laughs while on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the Trooping the Colour, the Queen's annual birthday parade, in June 2019. Getty Images
    Prince William holds Prince Louis as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, laughs while on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the Trooping the Colour, the Queen's annual birthday parade, in June 2019. Getty Images
  • Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and her son Prince Louis play in the Adam White and Andree Davies co-designed garden before the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London in 2019. AP Photo
    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and her son Prince Louis play in the Adam White and Andree Davies co-designed garden before the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London in 2019. AP Photo
  • Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, carries Prince Louis as they arrive for his christening service at St James's Palace in July 2018. Getty Images
    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, carries Prince Louis as they arrive for his christening service at St James's Palace in July 2018. Getty Images
  • Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, pose for photographers with their newborn baby boy Prince Louis outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in April 2018. Getty Images
    Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, pose for photographers with their newborn baby boy Prince Louis outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in April 2018. Getty Images
  • Prince Louis was born on April 23, 2018. Getty Images
    Prince Louis was born on April 23, 2018. Getty Images
  • A crowd of media outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital on the day Prince Louis was born. Getty Images
    A crowd of media outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital on the day Prince Louis was born. Getty Images

In pictures: Cambridges release image as UK's Prince Louis turns three


Simon Rushton
  • English
  • Arabic

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's youngest son celebrates his third birthday on Friday, a day after the end of the royal family's official two-week period of mourning after the death of Prince Philip.

The royals released a new photo to mark the occasion, which shows a smiling Prince Louis perched on a bicycle on his first day at nursery this week.

The photo, taken by the Duchess of Cambridge in the grounds of Kensington Palace, shows Louis with a school bag strapped to his back on his first day at the Willcocks Nursery School.

The nursery is the same one attended by Louis' older sister Princess Charlotte, who turns six next month.

Prince George, the eldest of the three siblings, attended the Westacre Montessori School Nursery near the royal residence of Sandringham.

With Louis' first few years spent largely away from the public gaze, any sightings of him or his siblings are eagerly anticipated.

The duchess is a keen amateur photographer and a patron of the Royal Photographic Society.

Just last week, a photo of Louis with Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II and six other great-grandchildren was released as part of arrangements for the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.

It was the first time Louis featured in an official portrait with the queen.

Last Christmas, his parents Prince William and Catherine released a family photo taken at Anmer Hall, on the queen's Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The image was used on the family’s Christmas card.

Louis Arthur Charles Windsor, born in St Mary’s Hospital, London, is fifth in line for the throne after his grandfather Prince Charles, his father, Prince William, and his siblings.

The first image released of him is from a photo call on the steps of St Mary’s when he was a few days old and in his mother’s arms.

Louis was left at home last weekend when the funeral service was held for Prince Philip.

Queen Elizabeth marked her 95th birthday on Wednesday while mourning her husband Philip.

See photos of the queen

  • Queen Elizabeth II meeting attendees during a reception for delegates of the Global Investment Conference at Windsor Castle in October 2021. PA
    Queen Elizabeth II meeting attendees during a reception for delegates of the Global Investment Conference at Windsor Castle in October 2021. PA
  • Queen Elizabeth during her annual Commonwealth Day Message in St George's Hall at Windsor in March 2021. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth during her annual Commonwealth Day Message in St George's Hall at Windsor in March 2021. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth speaks with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry during a flypast to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in July 2018. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth speaks with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry during a flypast to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in July 2018. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II tours Queen Mother Square in October 2016 in Poundbury, Dorset. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II tours Queen Mother Square in October 2016 in Poundbury, Dorset. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth watches the Trooping the Colour to mark her 90th Birthday in 2016 with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Prince Philip. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth watches the Trooping the Colour to mark her 90th Birthday in 2016 with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Prince Philip. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip wave to guests attending "The Patron's Lunch" celebrations for The Queen's 90th birthday on The Mall in June 2016. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip wave to guests attending "The Patron's Lunch" celebrations for The Queen's 90th birthday on The Mall in June 2016. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth is pictured next to a floral exhibit at Chelsea Flower Show in 2016. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth is pictured next to a floral exhibit at Chelsea Flower Show in 2016. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth makes a speech during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth makes a speech during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth stands with US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during their visit to the UK in 2011. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth stands with US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during their visit to the UK in 2011. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth is escorted by her grandson Prince William during a visit to RAF Valley where Prince William was stationed in 2011. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth is escorted by her grandson Prince William during a visit to RAF Valley where Prince William was stationed in 2011. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth looks on as she opens the refurbished East Wing of Somerset House in 2011. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth looks on as she opens the refurbished East Wing of Somerset House in 2011. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth sits in the Regency Room at Buckingham Palace as she looks at some of the cards which have been sent to her for her 80th birthday in 2006. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth sits in the Regency Room at Buckingham Palace as she looks at some of the cards which have been sent to her for her 80th birthday in 2006. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth meets the Spice Girls at The Victoria Palace Theatre in 1997. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth meets the Spice Girls at The Victoria Palace Theatre in 1997. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip review tributes to the late Princess Diana outside Buckingham Palace in 1997. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip review tributes to the late Princess Diana outside Buckingham Palace in 1997. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth celebrates the Queen Mother's 90th birthday with Prince Edward, Princess Diana, Prince Charles And Princess Margaret outside Clarence House in 1990. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth celebrates the Queen Mother's 90th birthday with Prince Edward, Princess Diana, Prince Charles And Princess Margaret outside Clarence House in 1990. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth sits with Princess Diana after Prince William's christening ceremony in 1982. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth sits with Princess Diana after Prince William's christening ceremony in 1982. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth sits with US President Ronald Reagan at a gala dinner at Windsor Castle in 1982. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth sits with US President Ronald Reagan at a gala dinner at Windsor Castle in 1982. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth greets the crowds outside St Paul's Cathedral during her Silver Jubilee in 1977. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth greets the crowds outside St Paul's Cathedral during her Silver Jubilee in 1977. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visit a farm on the Balmoral estate in Scotland, during their Silver Wedding anniversary year, in 1972. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visit a farm on the Balmoral estate in Scotland, during their Silver Wedding anniversary year, in 1972. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles travel in an open top car in Avignon during a state visit to France, in 1972. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles travel in an open top car in Avignon during a state visit to France, in 1972. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth smiles during a picture-taking session in the salon at Sandringham House in 1970. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth smiles during a picture-taking session in the salon at Sandringham House in 1970. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth during a visit to New Zealand in 1970. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth during a visit to New Zealand in 1970. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth is surrounded by school children at a children's playground in Sydney during a Commonwealth visit to Australia in 1963. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth is surrounded by school children at a children's playground in Sydney during a Commonwealth visit to Australia in 1963. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother with a young Prince Charles at Princess Margaret's wedding at Westminster Abbey in 1960. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother with a young Prince Charles at Princess Margaret's wedding at Westminster Abbey in 1960. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth while watching Prince Philip play cricket in Hampshire in 1958. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth while watching Prince Philip play cricket in Hampshire in 1958. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth during her coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey in June 1953. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth during her coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey in June 1953. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip wearing formal dress as they attend a concert at Festival Hall in 1951. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip wearing formal dress as they attend a concert at Festival Hall in 1951. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth at Epsom Downs Racecourse with King George VI, the Queen Mother and Bernard Fitzalan-Howard, 16th Duke of Norfolk, in 1948. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth at Epsom Downs Racecourse with King George VI, the Queen Mother and Bernard Fitzalan-Howard, 16th Duke of Norfolk, in 1948. Getty Images
  • Members of the British royal family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace after the wedding of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in November 1947. Getty Images
    Members of the British royal family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace after the wedding of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in November 1947. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth as 'Prince Florziel' posing with another actress in the Christmas production of 'Cinderella' at Windsor Castle in 1941. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth as 'Prince Florziel' posing with another actress in the Christmas production of 'Cinderella' at Windsor Castle in 1941. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth makes her first broadcast, accompanied by her younger sister Princess Margaret, in 1940. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth makes her first broadcast, accompanied by her younger sister Princess Margaret, in 1940. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret standing together on the train platform as they see off their parents, King George VI and the Queen Mother, at Waterloo Station in 1939. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret standing together on the train platform as they see off their parents, King George VI and the Queen Mother, at Waterloo Station in 1939. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth seated between her grandfather King George V and grandmother Queen Mary of Teck as they ride in a carriage back to Balmoral Castle in 1935. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth seated between her grandfather King George V and grandmother Queen Mary of Teck as they ride in a carriage back to Balmoral Castle in 1935. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth watches members of a pipe band play in the grounds of Glamis Castle in 1929. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth watches members of a pipe band play in the grounds of Glamis Castle in 1929. Getty Images