Prince William has long been seen as a devoted and hands-on father, but like any parent—especially one constantly in the public eye—he isn’t immune to criticism.

His youngest son, Prince Louis, has recently drawn attention for both his birthday celebrations and some cheeky public antics, particularly during royal events.

These moments have sparked debates about parenting, as well as scrutiny over how William and Princess Catherine (Kate Middleton) raise their three children.

A recent controversy centered around a birthday photograph of Prince Louis, supposedly taken by Kate at Kensington Palace, that raised eyebrows due to speculation about its timing. Adding to the mystery, an ambulance escorted by police was seen leaving Sandringham late last year, leading to rumors and concern, especially since no official explanation followed. The incident attracted international media attention, though the British press remained largely quiet.

Amid these headlines, Prince Louis’s mischievous behavior at royal events continues to captivate the public. Most notably, during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022, the young prince was seen playfully covering his mother’s mouth and reacting to the loud noises of the planes during the Trooping the Colour flyover. These moments were widely shared on social media, with fans commenting on Louis’s cheeky yet endearing personality.

While some view these antics as a normal part of childhood, critics have occasionally voiced concerns over the royal couple’s approach to discipline, with some suggesting that Louis, as the youngest, might be getting away with more than his older siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. However, his growing maturity was highlighted this year when, during a balcony appearance, Louis reportedly expressed concern for the fans standing in the rain, sweetly telling his sister, “They’re going to get wet.”

Parenting in the royal spotlight undoubtedly comes with unique pressures, and William has faced criticism for even mild comments about fatherhood. However, for every critic, there are legions of supporters who admire how William balances his royal duties with being an active, caring father. He is often seen interacting warmly with his children, despite the challenges of raising them under intense media scrutiny.

William and Kate’s ability to handle such public pressure with grace is commendable, especially given how rare it is for the royals to respond to criticisms publicly. Their focus on family values, and their children’s ability to be both relatable and royal, has won them admiration from around the world.