The Duchess of Cambridge, 38, released photos of Prince Louis playing with rainbow paints in celebration of his second birthday at Anmer Hall on their Norfolk estate.
Kate showed off her impressive photography skills but it was a post the day after his birthday that got royal fans talking after the Duchess broke from her usual tradition of sharing images of the young royals.
Royal expert Omid Scobie noted Kate hit a royal first with a relatable post of Louis smearing paint across his face with the familiar social media caption: “Instagram vs reality.”
Speaking on ABC’s HeirPod, Mr Scobie said: “Across the country in the UK, children have been drawing rainbows, pictures and multi-coloured pictures and sticking them in the windows of their homes to show support for the NHS and so Louis had done his hand painting.
“There was this great outtake that Kensington Palace shared the day after the birthday where little Louis was rubbing the paint all over his face.”
Co-host Maggi Rulli added: “Another good moment that really showed this realness, I think, right now and I think any parent with little kids can probably relate to seeing Louis with paint all over his face.
“I also love that Instagram post because they actually use the words ‘Instagram vs Reality’ which I don’t think I’ve ever seen in a royal post before.”
“To see them post that also just reminded me of things my family and friends post as well.
“It was such a relatable moment.”
Mr Scobie added: “Now that you point it out I would like to think that that was a royal first.
“The first meme. I love that.”
The revelation comes as many royal watchers wondered what the young royal was gifted for his birthday.
Royal commentators Roberta Fiorito and Rachel Bowie were discussing what they would get Louis for his birthday when they revealed what the youngest Cambridge’s favourite song is.
Speaking on the Royally Obsessed podcast, Ms Fiorito said: “We gave my nine-month-old niece a music box for Easter because Kate said Prince Louis loves the happy birthday song which is really appropriate right now.
“But maybe there’s a music box that plays happy birthday so he can listen to that over and over again.”
Co-host Ms Bowie added: “That’s so sweet! I feel it would also commemorate his favourite song.
“How is it happy birthday? That’s so funny.”
The five photos of Louis show the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s third child with his hands covered in paint as he creates his rainbow poster, echoing similar artworks made by children across the country and put up in windows of their homes.
All the photos of the young Prince were taken last month by Kate at their family home in eastern England where they are staying during the coronavirus lockdown, Kensington Palace said.