These have been tough times for the Wales family, with Catherine still undergoing cancer treatment and the Monarchy stretched thin.
But there will be an outbreak of much-needed celebration today when their youngest child, Prince Louis.
Louis, brother to George, ten, and Charlotte, eight, turns six today.
Not that Charlotte will be eight for very much longer; there will be more cake and candles in just over one week's time when, on May 2, she has her ninth birthday.
In just a few short years, Louis has already delighted the public, lifting our spirits with his cheeky attitude and energetic, wholehearted reactions, while the rest of his family observe the decorum of the moment.
Here, then, are some of the magic moments have made us smile - and a reminder of why this particular birthday boy is such a favourite.
1. Digging for victory
A hole-hearted Prince Louis concentrates hard as William does some digging at the Big Help Out in the days following the Coronation
2. Barrow boy Prince
Prince Louis gets into the spirit of things with some serious shovelling
Leave it to me: Louis seems to take control he helps his Kate create a path
3. Louis takes the biscuit
On sampling duty with marshmallow biscuits as Catherine marshalls the barbeque
4. A bit of Christmas spirit
Prince Louis had smiles for everyone on his first church outing on Christmas Day
5. Look what I got...
Louis looks uncertain about this gonk-style father Christmas...
6. A big hand
A wave to the crowds on his Grandfather's big day
7. And for my next act...
Was he waving or dancing ? The crowds loved it, even in the rain
8. Won't someone make it stop?
Possibly the funniest episode on the balcony down the year, with the late Queen seemingly unaware of her great-grandson's antics
Original Karma singer Brit Smith says JoJo Siwa 'has done nothing wrong' after re
'No realistic possibility' foreign agency will reveal if spy system used for war
Eli Lilly's new ad says weight
Second murder charge laid after death of Ōpōtiki Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini
Review of UNWRA finds Israel did not express concern about staff
Taiwan eyes first virus case in two months
'No realistic possibility' foreign agency will reveal if spy system used for war
Kaimanawa horses adoptions threatened by cost of living
NFL draft has been on tour for a decade and the next stop is Detroit, giving it a shot in spotlight
ACT leader David Seymour laments 'lost decades' as coalition gets to work
Khloe Kardashian shares sweet photo of 'mini
Dredging to deepen challenging boat entrance in Whakatāne