Prince Louis of Wales celebrates his eighth birthday Prince Louis of Wales, the youngest child of William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, turned eight on 23 April 2026. Born at St Mary’s Hospital in London on 23 April 2018, Louis is third in line to the British throne after his father and elder brother, Prince George. The Prince and Princess of Wales marked the occasion with a private family celebration at their home, Adelaide Cottage, on the Windsor Estate. According to royal sources, the family spent the day together, with William and Kate overseeing festivities for Louis alongside his siblings, Prince George, aged 12, and Princess Charlotte, aged 10. The celebrations included a special tea and outdoor activities in the garden, reflecting the family’s preference for low-key, personal milestones. Royal commentators noted that Louis’s eighth birthday signifies a developmental shift, as he begins to show greater independence whereas retaining his characteristic playful nature. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond observed that while parents often feel a sense of nostalgia as their youngest child grows, William and Kate continue to encourage Louis’s cheerful disposition, particularly during private family moments. Louis’s birth in 2018 was celebrated with traditional gun salutes and bell ringing across the United Kingdom. He was christened Louis Arthur Charles, a name chosen to honour both his paternal grandfather, King Charles III, and Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma. His christening took place on 9 July 2018 in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. As a member of the royal family, Louis attends occasional public engagements with his parents, though his appearances remain limited to protect his privacy. He is fourth in the line of succession to the throne, following his father, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte. The Wales family continues to balance public duties with private life, prioritizing a stable upbringing for their children away from intense media scrutiny. Louis’s eighth birthday underscores the family’s commitment to marking personal milestones with warmth and simplicity, even as they fulfill their roles within the monarchy.
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