'Real' reason Princess Kate and William have not released a new picture of Prince Louis

Prince William and Princess Kate likely had a key reason to not release a new photograph of Prince Louis to mark his sixth birthday today, a PR expert has claimed.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have stayed silent regarding their third child's milestone, following Princess Kate's Mother’s Day photo edit fiasco, despite royal fans hoping for a new picture.

Now a PR expert has touched down on the couple's decision not to release a photo to mark Louis's birthday and claimed the "wise move" could stem from their desire to protect the young royal from any "unwelcome attention".

Renae Smith, founder and director of the Atticism told Express.co.uk: "Considering the complexities surrounding the situation with the photo editing controversy, it’s feasible that there would be heightened scrutiny and the potential for comical or negative reinterpretations of a new photo—particularly involving a child, which introduces an element of sensitivity.

"The decision not to release a birthday snap of Prince Louis could be driven by a desire to shield the young royal from any form of ridicule or unwelcome attention, which would be a protective and perhaps wise move in maintaining the child’s privacy and dignity."

However, the PR specialist questioned whether breaking the family tradition would be a good move for Kensington Palace, from a public relations point of view, following the furore caused by the now infamous Mother's Day photo.

Prince William and Princess have released a new photo of Louis each year to mark his birthday, with the snap usually taken by Kate herself.

Ms Smith added: "From a public relations perspective, maintaining the tradition of releasing a birthday photo could be seen as an assertion of normality ('business as usual') and continuity, which is important and typical for public figures like the royals."

Louis is expected to mark his sixth birthday with celebrations organised by his parents after the school day is over today.

The young royal was last seen in public on Christmas Day when the royal family made their traditional festive appearance on the King's Sandringham Estate to walk to church.

Earlier that month Louis joined his older brother George, aged 10, and sister Charlotte, aged eight, at the annual Westminster Abbey carol concert staged by their mother Kate.

And a few weeks before the festive event, Louis and his siblings were taken volunteering by their mother, visiting the Baby Bank in Holyport near Maidenhead and got stuck in sifting through donated goods.