Prince Louis, the youngest child of Prince William and Princess Catherine, is celebrating his seventh birthday today, April 23, 2025. Born on the same date in 2018 at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, he has quickly become a beloved figure in the royal family, known for his charming personality and adorable antics.
His full name is Louis Arthur Charles Mountbatten-Windsor, and he is currently fourth in line to the British throne, following his grandfather King Charles III, his father Prince William, and his elder siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Louis's title changed to Prince Louis of Wales in 2022, after his parents were granted the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
To commemorate this special day, a delightful new photograph of the young prince was released, showing him sitting on a log in a bluebell wood, grinning widely and proudly displaying his gap-toothed smile. The image, taken by photographer Josh Shinner earlier this month, was shared on social media with a heartfelt message: "Wishing Prince Louis a very Happy 7th Birthday!" This marks a departure from tradition, as Kate Middleton, who usually takes the official birthday portraits of her children, did not capture this one.
Louis has been a source of joy for the public, particularly during royal events. He gained significant attention during Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Parade in 2022, where his playful demeanor and expressive reactions stole the show. His antics have endeared him to royal watchers, who appreciate his charm and innocence.
As for his name, many royal enthusiasts have recently been exploring the origins of "Louis." He is named after Lord Louis Mountbatten, a significant figure in the royal family history and the maternal uncle of the late Prince Philip. Lord Mountbatten tragically lost his life in an IRA attack in 1979, and royal historian Robert Lacey noted, "It shows the romance of this name associated with the hero and family mentor whom William never met - his father's 'honorary grandfather.'" This connection adds depth to the young prince's name, linking him to a legacy of service and family ties.
Louis's middle name, Arthur, is also a nod to royal tradition. Shared by his father, Prince William Arthur Philip Louis, and his grandfather, King Charles Philip Arthur George, it is believed to pay homage to the legendary King Arthur. This practice of passing down royal names has been a long-standing tradition, with many royal commentators noting the sweet significance behind it.
While at school, Louis and his siblings do not use their royal titles. Instead, they adopt their parents' title as a surname. Now that Louis has started his education, he is referred to as Louis Wales. His siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, affectionately call him "Lou Lou," a nickname that has become quite popular among family and friends.
In terms of education, Louis began his schooling at Willcocks Nursery School in 2021 and transitioned to Lambrook School in Berkshire in 2022. His family has made a concerted effort to balance royal duties and family life, often opting for quieter celebrations away from the public eye. This year, they chose to spend Easter at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, where they attended church with Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, instead of participating in the traditional royal Easter gathering at Windsor.
Despite a quieter year in the public eye due to his mother's recent battle with cancer, Louis has made some notable appearances. He was last seen publicly on Christmas Day 2024, during the royal family's traditional festive walk at Sandringham. His charming personality was on full display as he interacted with the crowd, collecting gifts and sharing smiles.
Interestingly, Louis has developed a keen interest in sports, particularly cricket and rugby. His father, Prince William, has shared that Louis loves these activities, and Kate jokingly remarked about his adventurous spirit, saying, "Louis is kamikaze; we're worrying about when he gets older, he'll be in the middle of everything." This playful description illustrates the joyful energy that Louis brings to his family.
As he celebrates his seventh birthday, the public continues to express their affection for Prince Louis, who has become a symbol of hope and joy amidst the royal family's ongoing journey. His playful spirit and genuine smile resonate with many, making him a cherished member of the British royal family.
