Birth and Early Life
Prince Louis Arthur Charles was born on 23 April 2018 at St Mary's Hospital, London, by planned caesarean section. His birth was announced with the traditional custom of placing a framed notice on an ornate gold stand outside Buckingham Palace. As the third child of the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Louis joined Prince George, born in 2013, and Princess Charlotte, born in 2015. In a break from historical precedent, his parents chose to have a smaller household than previous royal babies, reducing the number of household staff and emphasizing a family-first environment.
Title and Style
At birth, Louis was styled as His Royal Highness Prince Louis of Cambridge, a courtesy title granted as the grandson of the sovereign. Unlike earlier royals who received multiple honorific names at birth, his full name, Louis Arthur Charles, was disclosed shortly after birth. His official title has remained consistent since 2018, reflecting his position as a senior but non-heir royal within the established order of precedence.
Place in the Line of Succession
Prince Louis ranks third in the line of succession to the British throne, following his father, William, Prince of Wales (the heir apparent), and his elder sister, Princess Charlotte. This positioning was unchanged by the accession of King Charles III in September 2022 and remains stable unless his siblings have children or he fathers a child ahead of them in the succession. Succession rules, reformed by the Perth Agreement implemented in 2015, ensure that birth order and legitimacy, rather than gender, determine rank.
Succession Order (Selected)
| Position | Name | Relation to Monarch | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prince George of Wales | Eldest son of William, Prince of Wales | First in line; born 2013 |
| 2 | Princess Charlotte of Wales | Eldest daughter of William, Prince of Wales | Second in line; born 2015 |
| 3 | Prince Louis of Cambridge | Youngest son of William, Prince of Wales | Third in line; born 2018 |
| 4 | Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex | Younger brother of William, Prince of Wales | Fourth in line; born 1984 |
| 5 | Prince Archie of Sussex | Son of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex | Fifth in line; born 2019 |
Upbringing and Education
Prince Louis has primarily been raised in the family home in Kensington Palace, with a balanced routine that includes private schooling and regular family activities. He joined his older siblings at an early-years school in central London, chosen to provide a stable and low-profile educational environment. Teachers and staff emphasize a traditional curriculum alongside modern pastoral care, ensuring that royal duties do not overshadow normal childhood development. His parents have stated a preference for a relatively ordinary upbringing, minimizing media intrusion while preparing all children for their future roles.
Public Appearances and Engagements
Public appearances for Prince Louis are carefully scheduled and typically occur alongside his family, such as Trooping the Colour, Remembrance Day services, and royal visits. He has participated in ceremonial events including the Coronation of King Charles III in May 2023, where he appeared in formal attire alongside other royal children. Unlike earlier generations, his parents have opted for fewer solo engagements, focusing instead on presenting a united family front. When present at official occasions, Louis follows established royal protocols, including curtsies, walking pace, and public demeanor expected of senior royals.
Notable Public Moments
- Birth announcement on a gold stand at Buckingham Palace (April 2018).
- Trooping the Colour appearances with his family (2018–2024).
- Coronation of King Charles III, wearing a miniature admiral's uniform (May 2023).
- Annual Christmas portrait released by Kensington Palace (2018–2023).