With Prince Louis celebrating his eighth birthday, one royal expert believes the young royal is coming into his own sense of independence, while his devoted parents are still fostering his cheeky side
14:44, 22 Apr 2026Updated 16:22, 22 Apr 2026
Prince Louis was born April 23 2018, and will mark his 8th birthday tomorrow (Image: WireImage)
The Royal Family are no doubt preparing for a celebration tomorrow as young Prince Louis marks his eighth birthday. The youngest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales solidified himself as a fan favourite among royal fans several years ago with his cheeky antics on rare public occasions often stealing the show.
But as Louis celebrates his 8th birthday, one royal expert believes that with age comes wisdom, as the young prince has started to reign in his mischievous nature in public. And as former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror, there is likely to be a small wave of melancholy through William and Kate as their youngest child grows up.
READ MORE: Princess Kate’s ‘powerful homage’ to late Queen, according to body language expertREAD MORE: ‘Prince William would ditch Meghan Markle and Harry’s titles in a heartbeat’
Prince Louis celebrates his 8th birthday tomorrow(Image: Getty Images)
Jennie explained of the young prince’s birthday: “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.”
The royal expert said that over the last few years, it seems Louis has gradually grown out of pulling cheeky stunts while on show during a major royal event, with more recent engagements proving that the young royal is becoming more aware of his public persona.
“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 said. “The cheeky little boy in shorts was now a very well behaved young Prince Louis in suit and tie.
Louis became known for his cheeky antics at a young age (Image: Getty Images)
“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, Jennie believes royal fans are likely to see more of Louis at royal events as he continues to get older, while the Prince and Princess of Wales will still protect their children’s privacy.
Jennie told the Mirror: “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 and upbringing as possible in their position. They look like great kids – a credit to their devoted parents.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis (Image: PA)
As the youngest child, Louis is bound to get spoiled by his family on his birthday, as Jennie said even the return to school won’t get in the way of making the day extra special for the young prince.
“He turns 8 on the second day of the new term,” Jennie 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.”
In terms of presents, the royal expert said he will likely be indulged with his favourite hobbies, as she guessed what presents would be awaiting Louis on his special day. Jennie said: “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?”
Jennie Bond believes William and Kate will make a fuss over Louis’ birthday as the youngest child(Image: AP)
While Louis seems to be gaining a new understanding of his royal role as he grows up, Jennie believes there will be growing emphasis within the Wales family to not make Louis feel like the ‘spare’ to his older brother Prince George, who is second in line for 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,” Jennie said. “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.”
Despite the challenge to ensure Louis is a person in his own right, rather than living in the shadows of George, Jennie believes that after Prince Harry ’s difficulties of being labelled the ‘spare’ to Prince William, the Prince and Princess of Wales are “bound to be hugely sensitive to how they bring up Charlotte and Louis.”
William and Kate are likely to be “sensitive” with how they raise Louis as a ‘spare’ to his brother George (Image: PA)
And according to royal historian Hugo Vickers, William and Kate’s tireless work of raising their children will be a huge asset to the Royal Family when they step into the royal roles later in life.
Hugo said: “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 added of the youngest royal: “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.”
Get the inside scoop on the monarchy with Mirror Royal
WHATSAPP GROUP: Be first to get the biggest royal bombshells and exclusives to your phone by joining our Royal WhatsApp here.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
NEWSLETTER: Or sign up to the Mirror’s Royal newsletter here to get all the biggest royal news and exclusive pictures, straight to your inbox.