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The royal family are no doubt getting ready to celebrate as young Prince Louis turns eight. The youngest son of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales has become a firm favourite among royal watchers over the years, with his playful and cheeky moments during rare public appearances often stealing the spotlight.
As he reaches this milestone, however, one royal expert suggests that maturity is beginning to show. According to former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, the young prince has started to tone down his mischievous side when in public. She also notes that this birthday may bring a touch of nostalgia for Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, as they watch their youngest child grow up.
Jennie Bond reflected on the young prince’s milestone, saying: “A tinge of sadness? Yes, it’s inevitable as your ‘baby’ shoots up and grows out of all his clothes, exerts his will and shows his independence, most parents get a touch whimsical about the end of an era: the family is growing up. The baby stage has gone once and for all.”
She added that in recent years, Prince Louis appears to have outgrown some of the cheeky antics that once made him stand out during major royal events. More recent appearances suggest he is becoming increasingly aware of how he presents himself in public.
“It was obvious at Easter when we saw the whole family at Windsor that George isn’t the only one who is getting taller,” Jennie Bond said. “The cheeky little boy in shorts was now a very well behaved young Prince Louis in suit and tie.”
“There were no mischievous antics, no tongue poking out at the cameras – in fact Louis hardly looked in the direction of the crowds. I don’t think his parents will have consciously subdued his cheeky side, but Louis is probably now more aware that he is on public parade. And that could be embarrassing at his age. So it was left to Charlotte to give a friendly little wave in the direction of the crowds and cameras.”
Despite this shift, Jennie Bond believes that Prince Louis will likely make more frequent appearances at royal events as he grows older, even as Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales continue to prioritize their children’s privacy.
“I think Louis will be included in most engagements now that we see the other children, but I’m sure that William and Catherine will continue their policy of giving their young family as normal and private an upbringing as possible in their position. They look like great kids – a credit to their devoted parents.”
As the youngest in the family, Prince Louis is almost certain to be thoroughly spoiled on his birthday. According to Jennie Bond, even the return to school won’t stop the celebrations from feeling extra special.
“He turns 8 on the second day of the new term,” she said. “But I’m sure that won’t stop him celebrating, or his family making a huge fuss over the baby of their tight-knit unit.”
“The evenings are lighter now, so there may be time for a little get together after school or perhaps a birthday barbecue with a spot of trampolining thrown in (he’s mad keen on it!) Or maybe they had a party a few days early, during the holidays.”
When it comes to presents, the royal expert suggests he’ll likely receive gifts tied to his favorite interests. “Well, we know he loves playing the drums…so a new kit maybe? And he also enjoys all sorts of games.. he once wrote a note to his Granny and Grandpa thanking them for playing games with him. So…some new board games?”
As Prince Louis grows older, he appears to be developing a clearer sense of his place within the royal family. Still, Jennie Bond believes there will be increasing care within the Wales household to ensure he doesn’t feel like the “spare” compared to his older brother Prince George, who is second in line to the throne.
“As Louis comes up to his eighth birthday, he is going to realise that his big brother is the kingpin – with the emphasis on King,” she explained. “It’s difficult enough bringing up three children in a normal household, so I don’t envy the family dynamics that destiny has dealt William and Catherine with their brood.”
Even with those challenges, there is a strong awareness of the importance of allowing Prince Louis to grow into his own identity, rather than living in his brother’s shadow.
Drawing on the experience of Prince Harry—who has openly spoken about being labeled the “spare” to Prince William—Jennie suggests that the Prince and Princess of Wales are “bound to be hugely sensitive to how they bring up Charlotte and Louis.”
According to royal historian Hugo Vickers, the dedication that Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales have shown in raising their children could prove invaluable to the future of the royal family as they grow into their roles.
“It will pay off in the long run – if they get it right, they’ll be performing the nation and Commonwealth a fantastic service, because it’s going to be difficult for this generation of the royal family to work out how to make the royal family really relevant. The next generation can bring energy to the royal family, which is what you very much need.”
He also shared his thoughts on Prince Louis, highlighting the young royal’s character and potential. “Prince Louis is sharply intelligent. That take-off of his brother, when he tossed his head, was brilliantly observed. People say he’s a scamp, but I think he’s very bright, and I think he’s going to be a huge asset.”
