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How the Duchess of Cambridge told a national and personal story with a dress when Prince Louis was born

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23:  Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, pose for photographers with their newborn baby boy Prince Louis of Cambridge outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital on April 23, 2018 in London, England. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's third child was born this morning at 11:01, weighing 8lbs 7oz.  (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
William and Kate outside the Lindo Wing with newborn baby Prince Louis of Cambridge on April 23, 2018. (Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

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It is three years since the Duchess of Cambridge appeared on the steps of the Lindo Wing cradling her youngest son.

Prince Louis of Cambridge was born on 23 April 2018, at 11.01am, appearing with his proud mother and father on the hospital steps later that day.

Kate, now 38, was a seasoned professional when it came to the Lindo Wing appearances, having reportedly been terrified the first time she had to face the cameras with a newborn.

And the outfit she chose was important, because it told both a personal story and a national one.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - September 16: Prince Charles and Princess Diana With the newly born Prince Harry outside the Lindo Wing. (Photo by Georges De Keerle/Getty Images)
Prince Charles and Princess Diana with the newly born Prince Harry outside the Lindo Wing in 1984. (Georges De Keerle/Getty Images)

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Bethan Holt, author of The Duchess of Cambridge: A decade of modern royal style said in her book: "In a remarkable coincidence of patriotism and nature, the Cambridges' third child was born on St George's Day in 2018 and somehow the duchess had the outfit to match.

"Jenny Packham had once again made the dress and this time they chose a red and white design. Not only did this echo England's St George's cross flag but they were also the colours worn by Princess Diana leaving hospital with Prince Harry in 1984.

"Accessorised with the Queen's pearl and diamond earrings the duchess had managed to weave both a national and a personal story into her look."

Watch: George, Charlotte and Louis join parents at panto

Although Louis was Kate's third child, he was their second son - just as Harry was for Diana and Charles.

Prince Louis will have another birthday under coronavirus restrictions after his 2020 birthday was spent in a full lockdown.

This year, the family is back in London at their home in Kensington Palace. They have been in royal mourning since 9 April following the death of Prince Philip, Louis's great-grandfather.

However, mourning came to an end on 22 April and there will be a return to more royal duties as the restrictions relax across the UK.

Buy it: The Duchess of Cambridge: A Decade of Modern Royal Style | £12.69 (Was £16.99) from Amazon

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23:  Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge leave with their new born baby boy from the Lindo Wing, St Mary's Hospital on April 23, 2018 in London, England. The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to a boy at 11.01 BST, weighing 8lb 7oz.  (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)
Prince Louis was born on 23 April 2018, at 11.01 BST, weighing 8lb 7oz. Kate chose a dress to reflect two occasions. (Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

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Louis's birthday comes just two days after his great-grandmother's, as the Queen marked her 95th birthday on Wednesday.

Before the funeral of Prince Philip a never before seen picture was released by Buckingham Palace showing the Queen holding Louis, surrounded by her other great-grandchildren, alongside Prince Philip.

The image showed a sweet bond between the Queen and her descendants, as well as between Louis and his older sister Charlotte, who was holding his hand as he sat with the monarch.

Watch: Royal Family releases Kate's photo of Queen and duke with seven great-grandchildren