Mamma Kate calls him affectionately Lou-bugs, his sister scolds him with a Lou Louand his father William often described him simply as a “kamikaze”. Even grandfather Carlo has a soft spot for this grandson of his who he has often spoiled with yawns, tongues and tantrums in public the formality of once sacrosanct official events. But Prince Louisthe favorite of an entire nation and very popular abroad too, has changed. And today, as he celebrates his 8th birthday, the “old” Louis will be missed even at home.
Prince Louis turns 8
Over the years, and since he began to be present at the most important Royal events, William’s third son – the mascot of the Royal Family – has ensured a reputation as a friendly brat. Not very patient during more formal moments, such as Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee of 2022,he didn’t stop fussing, forcing his parents to focus all their attention on him. Even Charlotte always tried to hold his hand. This, however, was until last Easter in Windsor, when the child suddenly revealed himself to be a little Royal with impeccable manners.
The last child (announced) for the Princes of Wales
Kate Middleton will certainly be proud of her third child but, says the Royal Watcher of BBCJennie Bond, you must have had a headache. The princess loves to surround herself with very young children and he adores his children, so much so that he has admitted in the past to I wanted a quarter of it (it seems, however, that William immediately said no). But the fact that all three of her children are now grown up and have learned to be Royals will make her feel a little nostalgic. The “baby stage”, says Bond, is over forever.
Louis and his passion for sport, drums and insects
Today is a normal school day for Louis, the second since returning after the long Easter holidays. In the late afternoon he will return home to that one Forest Lodge which since last autumn has been the new residence of the Princes of Wales and where his grandparents – both King Charles and the Middletons – are waiting for him for a little family party and the cake prepared by his mother.
And the little one, who he loves to romp around in the garden playing football and rugby, plays the drums and loves insects, despite now being aware of being a child always in the spotlight, he will be unaware of the fact that, behind the scenes, he is now the protagonist of heated discussions at court.
Which school will the prince attend?
Gone are the days of shorts, from now on Louis will always have to wear a suit and tie. For now will be able to remain in the same school, there Lambbrook School who attends together with brother and sister, but his parents and grandfather Carlo are already discussing which institution to choose when he turns 13.
As in George’s case, the choice will probably fall on Eton, the college already attended by his father William. But the decision on the child’s future now also extends to another important topic. Because Louis and Charlotte are the spare of the new generation.
Little Louis on his grandfather Charles’ lap eagerly watches Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, London, June 2022 (Getty Images)
Louis’ future won’t be like Uncle Harry’s
How to avoid a turbulent future like Uncle Harry’s and others in the Royal Family (two examples: Andrea and Margaret)? Determined to ensure their children have some normality for as long as possible, the Waleses can no longer put off these types of decisions. As an adult, Louis will be a prince in all respects, but in his case, and in that of Charlotte, his parents are fighting to ensure that, with the permission of the court, they also have the possibility of pursuing a career of one’s choice. Avoiding, therefore, feeling spareneglected and even a little useless at court like Harry.