Overview
Prince Louis of Wales (Louis Arthur Charles; born 23 April 2018) is the third child and second son of William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales. He was born at St Mary’s Hospital in London at 11:01 BST (10:01 UTC) on St George’s Day. From birth he is a British prince with the style His Royal Highness.
Name, style and place in succession
His full name, Louis Arthur Charles, was announced on 27 April 2018. The given names reflect family connections: Louis recalls Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma (Mountbatten), and Charles refers to his grandfather, now King Charles III. Under the letters patent issued at the end of 2012, all of Prince William's children are entitled to the style of His Royal Highness as set out by that grant (letters patent, 2012).
Early life and public presence
As a member of the modern British royal family, Louis has been raised largely out of the relentless glare of constant publicity but has made visible appearances alongside close family on ceremonial occasions and private milestones. His early life has been shared in carefully chosen photographs and brief official statements by his parents. He was christened in July 2018 at St James’s Palace in a small family service and continues to take part in traditional family events such as Trooping the Colour and Christmas services.
Family context and significance
Prince Louis is part of the House of Windsor and represents the younger generation of direct heirs who symbolise continuity for the monarchy. At birth he was fifth in the line of succession to the throne; following the accession of his grandfather to the throne his position moved accordingly within the immediate line headed by his father. The existence and upbringing of royal children are often presented as both a private family matter and a matter of public interest because of their constitutional and ceremonial roles.
Notable facts
- Birthdate: 23 April 2018 — St George’s Day, a date with historic resonance in England.
- Full name: Louis Arthur Charles; announced four days after his birth.
- Style: Entitled to be styled His Royal Highness under the 2012 letters patent.
- Namesakes: Acknowledged links to Louis Mountbatten and to King Charles III.
Role and future
As a young member of the royal family, Prince Louis has no formal public duties of his own; his role and profile will evolve as he grows older and as the needs of the monarchy change. His upbringing is overseen by his parents, who balance private family life with public responsibilities on behalf of the Crown. Observers and the public tend to follow milestones—education, public appearances and ceremonial participation—as indicators of how his future role may develop within the institution.
For further background on his parents and official announcements, see statements from William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales, and historical context provided by documents such as the 2012 letters patent.