It’s celebration time for Prince Louis as he turns eight on Thursday – but royal duty still calls, even on special occasions. Prince William will be travelling to Oxfordshire to visit the headquarters of the British Formula E team, Jaguar TCS Racing, for a couple of hours during his youngest son’s celebrations.

There, he will learn about their innovative approach to electrification and sustainability, learning all about electric racing.

The Prince of Wales, 43, is known to have a passion for cars and racing, previously trying out a Formula E car simulator during a tour to India in 2016, after which he was told he had a “good lap time”.

Luckily, Louis will be back at Lambrook School for most of the day after the Easter holidays, so he won’t miss William too much. The family will likely have plans together at home in Forest Lodge, Windsor, in the evening with Louis’s mother, the Princess of Wales, and older siblings, Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, ten.

We’re certain Louis – or “Lou-bugs” as Kate likes to call him – will be treated to birthday cake and gifts aplenty for his special royal birthday.

Best behaviour

Prince Louis was born on 23 April 2018 at the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, and is now growing up so fast. Over the years, he has won over the hearts of the nation with his adorable and cheeky displays during public events, particularly with a very animated display at the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.

However, he surprised royal fans with an impeccable show of manners at the start of the month. Wearing a double-breasted suit, Louis mirrored his well-behaved older sister, Charlotte, as they waved in union to crowds, before waiting patiently by his mother, Kate’s side, ahead of the service beginning.

Even after the service, which typically lasts over an hour, Louis still appeared to be on his best behaviour. As the family departed, Louis performed the perfect royal handshake as he bid farewell to the Dean of Windsor, Christopher Cocksworth.

His efforts didn’t go unnoticed as royal fans soon gushed that Louis was looking “so grown up”, while another praised his behaviour as “so well mannered” and “charming”.

Previous birthdays

The Waleses typically share an annual photo of each of their children to mark their respective birthdays. Last year, Prince William and Kate shared a photo of Louis’s tooth-gapped grin to mark his seventh birthday.

He was seen sitting on a log in the middle of a bluebell wood, dressed in jeans, a collared shirt and a khaki jumper in a picture taken by A-list photographer Josh Shinner.

Royal fans couldn’t believe how much he had changed, with many noting his close resemblance to the Middleton side of the family, taking after his grandfather, Michael Middleton.

His sixth birthday shot the previous year was taken by mum Kate, who is known to practice photography, in Windsor, showing the young royal grinning up at the camera.