Kate Middleton’s genes are strong!
The Princess of Wales had fans doing a double take when she posted a throwback Christmas photo from her childhood in which she looked just like 5-year-old son Prince Louis.
“Sharing some festive memories this Christmas because #ShapingUs is all about the vital importance of our early years and the role played by those around us in shaping the rest of our lives,” she captioned the never-before-seen snap, taken in 1983.
Multiple social media users called Middleton her youngest child’s “carbon copy” and “spitting image” in the comments section.
“You’re absolutely lying, this is Louis,” one of her and Prince William’s followers wrote.
“I thought it was a picture of Prince Louis at first,” another added. “He is her mini me.”
A third noted that “the Middleton gene is visible” in both family members.
Middleton and her husband, both 41, welcomed Louis in April 2018, with the little one joining older siblings Prince George, 10, and Princess Charlotte, 8.
The rambunctious royal often puts his playful personality on display during family outings.
Most recently, Louis made headlines for blowing out his sister’s candle during a Dec. 8 Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey.
Louis, who dressed up for the occasion in a coat and dress pants, joined George and Charlotte in leaving letters for Santa Claus in a post office box.
While he was on his best behavior in his family of five’s black-and-white Christmas card photo last week, royal fans called attention to Louis’ missing finger in an apparent Photoshop fail.
The prince has stolen the show with funny faces on many occasions in the last year, from Trooping the Colour in June to King Charles III’s coronation the previous month.
Middleton and William poked fun at Louis’ antics back in June 2022 when he stuck out his tongue, covered his ears and more at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.
“We all had an incredible time, especially Louis… 👀,” the duo wrote via Instagram at the time.
As for their daughter, Charlotte frequently corrects both of her brothers in public for their posture and behavior.
