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Navigating life within the royal family comes with a unique set of challenges, especially for those not directly in line for the throne. This is particularly true for younger royal children, who often risk being overshadowed by their elder siblings. In the case of the Prince and Princess of Wales—William and Catherine—they are committed to ensuring that their younger children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, do not grow up feeling like mere understudies to their older brother, Prince George, who is destined to one day become king.
The royal lifestyle is often seen as something far removed from everyday life. The traditions, responsibilities, and constant public scrutiny make their lives seem almost otherworldly. Still, moments of relatability do shine through, particularly through the natural sibling dynamics between George, Charlotte, and Louis. Princess Charlotte, for instance, has shown time and again that her role as a sister, particularly to her younger brother Louis, is central to her identity—even before her royal status.
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As Prince George steadily moves toward fulfilling his role as the future monarch, William and Catherine are making a deliberate effort to ensure that their younger children are equally nurtured and valued. According to royal expert Jenny Bond, the couple is highly aware of the struggles faced by those further down the line in the royal hierarchy. They’re actively steering away from the old patterns of royal parenting, aiming instead for a more balanced, modern approach that gives each child a sense of worth and individuality.
This means encouraging Charlotte and Louis to forge their own paths—paths that may not necessarily be bound to traditional royal duties. Whether that leads them to a life of service, the arts, the military, or the charity sector, William and Catherine want their children to feel empowered to pursue what truly resonates with them once they complete their education.
While Prince George naturally occupies center stage due to his future as king, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have made it a priority that their other children don’t feel left behind. One way they achieve this is by celebrating each child's distinctive strengths and personality. For instance, Princess Charlotte has already shown an early interest in the arts and has taken part in several public appearances that highlight this talent. Meanwhile, Prince Louis, the youngest of the trio, has captured public affection through his cheerful and often mischievous nature.
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Rather than focusing on his lower place in the line of succession, Prince Louis is celebrated for the joy and humor he brings to the royal family. Catherine and William’s parenting style highlights that all their children—regardless of rank—have unique roles to play, and each is offered opportunities to grow and shine. While George prepares for kingship, Charlotte and Louis are also being given moments to stand in the spotlight.
Prince George’s involvement in King Charles III’s coronation was one of the many instances where he was placed front and center as the heir. However, in various other events, it was Prince Louis who unintentionally stole the show with his expressive and endearing behavior. During Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, Louis became a media sensation for his cheeky antics. As George and Charlotte maintained their composed royal demeanor, Louis provided a lighter moment for the crowd and viewers around the world. His animated facial expressions—including sticking his tongue out and making funny noises—were widely shared and brought a humanizing touch to the royal family.
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Another memorable moment came during the royal family's Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey in December 2023. As the service ended and the royal children held lit candles, Louis once again caught everyone’s attention by blowing out Charlotte’s candle in a playful gesture—despite being under the watchful eye of their mother. These lighthearted episodes not only entertain the public but also reinforce the idea that, despite their royal status, Charlotte and Louis are just kids being kids.
His mischief isn’t limited to official events. Anecdotes from family vacations also offer glimpses into Louis’ playful nature. In one story shared by writer Sophia Money-Coutts, a friend vacationing on the Caribbean island of Mustique overheard young Louis giving his grandmother, Carole Middleton, a cheeky response as she tried to get him out of the sea: “Go away, you’re old.” It’s a simple moment, but one that shows just how refreshingly normal these royal children can be.
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Louis continued to make headlines in humorous fashion during the 2024 Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church near Sandringham. As part of the service, the Reverend mentioned a Terry’s Chocolate Orange, tapping it for emphasis and playfully instructing Louis to “just drop it.” What followed was a loud thud that echoed through the speakers outside—Louis had dramatically hurled the chocolate onto the floor, delighting those in attendance and adding yet another charming incident to his growing list of royal mischiefs.
Through their parenting, William and Catherine are redefining how younger royals grow up. By valuing each child’s individuality and creating an environment where Charlotte and Louis are seen for more than just their relation to George, they are shaping a new generation of royals—one that embraces, but not at the expense of personal identity and happiness.
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