Doting grandpa Prince Charles cuddles Prince Louis in never-before-seen snap

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s youngest son Prince Louis celebrated his second birthday on Thursday, and grandpa Prince Charles marked the occasion by sharing a heartwarming black-and-white image.

The never-before-seen photo shared on the Clarence House Instagram account shows the two embracing in a sweet hug. In the image, the pair are dressed similarly in casual polo shirts and bottoms.

“A very Happy Birthday to Prince Louis, who turns two today,” the caption reads. “The young Prince enjoys a hug from his Grandfather, The Prince of Wales.”

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Royals fans were quick to comment on the heartwarming snap, with one writing: “Happy Birthday, what a beautiful picture.” Another wrote, “Happy Birthday! So sweet how he loves his grandpa.” While a third wrote, “Such a beautiful photo. Happy Birthday, Louis.”

And the sweet moment was captured by Catherine, who regularly shares pictures of her children on their birthdays and on other special occasions. For Louis’s second birthday, for example, Kensington Palace also shared a series of photographs taken earlier this month at Anmer Hall, Norfolk, where the family of five have been self isolating amid the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.

In the images, Louis looks remarkably grown up and bears a striking resemblance to his older brother Prince George. Wearing a blue checked button-up shirt, the toddler can be seen smiling broadly and reaching towards the camera in the first image, with brightly coloured paint all over his hands.

The second image shows the prince’s artwork, a rainbow-coloured hand print in support of the National Health Service, while the remaining two images show Louis’ more playful side as he holds his hands up beside his head and laughs during the photoshoot with his mum.

“Sharing a sneak peek of Prince Louis’s handiwork ahead of his second birthday!” a post alongside the images read. “We are pleased to share images ahead of Prince Louis’s second birthday tomorrow, taken by The Duchess this April.”

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Many royal followers wished the prince a happy birthday, with one writing: “He’s so adorable!!! Happy birthday Prince Louis!!!” Another commented: “Adorable, HRH Prince Louis! Wishing him the best!” While another said: “Happy birthday Lou Lou! He is such a big boy now!!”