'A beautiful photo': Previously unseen image of Prince Charles hugging Louis a hit with fans
Prince Charles has wished his grandson a happy second birthday in a previously unseen photograph.
In the black and white image shared on Clarence House’s social media on Thursday, the heir to the throne has scooped up Louis in a big hug, and holds on to him tenderly.
The photo has not been released before but looks to have been taken in warmer climes, as both of them are in summer clothes.
It was also some time before social distancing rules were introduced, and the royals may be wondering when Louis will next get to hug his grandpa.
Read more: Happy Birthday Prince Louis: Youngest Cambridge's cutest moments as he turns two
Royal fans were quick to comment on the Instagram image, with British model Erin O’Connor posting a heart emoji.
Other comments included: “What a beautiful photo” and “So happy to see all the love here. Melts my heart!!”.
Another Instagram user wrote: “That looks like a good hug.”
Eagle-eyed fans noticed the picture is in a frame on the Duke of Rothesay’s piano at his home in Birkhall.
It can be seen in the top row, second from right, in a behind-the-scenes snap from his live stream to NHS Nightingale in the ExCel centre.
Louis will spend his birthday in lockdown in Anmer Hall, Norfolk, where he has been with his parents – the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – and his older brother and sister, George and Charlotte, for several weeks since the outbreak of coronavirus.
The young royal may well get to spend time on a video call with his grandparents though, as William and Kate previously talked about how they kept in touch with all the family with technology.
Read more: Prince Louis's adorable tribute to NHS workers in birthday photographs
The Cambridges released several new pictures of the royal on Thursday to mark his second birthday.
In them, he was seen grinning and showing off his rainbow painted hands as he made his own tribute to key workers and NHS staff.
Louis does not yet go to many of the royal events, but has been seen on the balcony at Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Colour.
He and his grandfather appeared to share a moment then, with Charles spotted grinning widely at William’s youngest son, as Louis waved.
They also shared clear mutual delight in a series of pictures taken to mark Charles’s 70th birthday.
In one, which was released this time last year, Louis grabs onto his grandfather’s nose, as he chuckles at him.
Prince Louis Arthur Charles of Cambridge, fifth in line to the throne, was born on St George’s Day, 23 April 2018, in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, weighing 8lb 7oz.
He was christened at 11 weeks old, by Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace in front of friends and family.
