This adorable photo of Prince William and his kids broke an unofficial record for royal fans

As Prince William celebrates his 43rd birthday today (21 June), royal fans are eagerly hoping for new, candid photos of the family. Last year, a beloved snapshot taken by Kate Middleton showed a carefree and joyful side of the royals that touched many admirers. The photo featured Prince William and his three children — George, Charlotte, and Louis — holding hands and leaping over a sand dune at the beach, with bright expressions of happiness. Shared on Instagram for William’s 42nd birthday, it stood out from traditional royal portraits and was widely praised for its warmth and authenticity.

The picture, captioned “Happy birthday Papa, we all love you so much! Cx,” gained special significance because Kate was undergoing chemotherapy at the time and had stepped back from public duties. Fans described the image as the “best royal photo ever” and appreciated the rare glimpse into the family’s relaxed, personal life. Now in remission, Kate’s recovery has sparked hope that she may once again share intimate family moments through her photography. Whether or not more photos are released, royal followers continue to express heartfelt birthday wishes to Prince William.