While we’re used to many royals being prim and proper, the newest iteration of The Firm has shown they have a somewhat softer (and honestly more human) side.
From Kate Middleton flexing the royal rules to suit 21st century life, to Prince Harry potentially considering not sending Prince Archie to Eton, younger members of Britain’s first family aren’t afraid to deviate from previously rigid traditions.
But there’s one royal who, even when it’s a more formal event, isn’t afraid to liven up proceedings – little Prince Louis.
Everyone’s clicking on…
The seven-year-old has cemented himself as a firm favourite amongst onlookers for his show-stealing antics, with Kate often spotted trying to rein in his mischievous behaviour. It seems some little ones can’t resist silliness, no matter their upbringing. Bless him!
Here, Cosmopolitan UK takes a look back at some of his Prince Louis’s cheekiest moments caught on camera – guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Trying on his mum’s sunnies
Prince Louis obviously knew he was going to be iconic from a very young age. In this adorable snap from a trip to Wokingham in 2019, where Prince Harry and Prince William played polo together, Louis is seen pulling faces after taking mum Kate’s Ray-Ban glasses
Pulling faces at Trooping of the Colour
Standing on the balcony at Buckingham Palace may be daunting for most kids – but not Prince Louis. Stood next to older sister Princess Charlotte in 2022, he was spotted covering his ears and screaming at the overhead planes. Naturally, mum Kate was on hand to whisper for him to behave nicely. Thankfully, the late Queen Elizabeth didn’t seem to mind, smiling at her great-grandson.
Bored of waving for onlookers
It’s something he’s likely to spend a large portion of his life doing, but Louis appears to be sick of it already. Sandwiched between Prince George and Princess Charlotte on a carriage, Louis looked less than impressed when he was forced to greet subjects with a less-than-jaunty wave.
Posing at the Platinum Pageant
The nation was in the mood for celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years as head of state, with Prince Louis also buoyant by events. He captured everyone’s attention (and our hearts!) when he was spotted waving his little finger and dancing in some of the performances at the Platinum pageant.
Performing on the balcony
He may have been matching with sensible older brother Prince George at 2023’s Trooping of the Colour, wearing the same navy blue blazer with gold buttons, but little Louis was still going to bring his now infamously naughty personality to proceedings. Stood between his siblings, he was spotted stretching out his arms and pulling silly faces (perhaps imitating the places above?) while even his parents couldn’t help but smile.
Stifling a laugh on the carriage
Louis seems to be a joker-in-waiting – the young prince appeared to get a case of the giggles in 2023 when in a carriage ride to Buckingham Palace. However, his siblings appeared to be unamused.
Telling the Princess of Wales what’s what
She may be the future Queen of the United Kingdom, but to Prince Louis, Kate Middleton is just his mum – and he’s not afraid to give her a little attitude. After he was caught in the act being a little too spirited at the Platinum Pageant in 2022, she tried to give him a public telling-off, only for Louis to reach up and cover her mouth.
Yawning at the Coronation
It was a day of much pomp and pageantry for the country – but Louis would have rather been at home. While he paid a small role in the coronation of his grandfather, King Charles, the young prince seemed bored while attending the long ceremony, and was spotted letting out a large yawn.
A Christmas Carol wink
We can’t deny it – Louis knows how to work a crowd. At the Christmas Carol service in Westminster Abbey in 2023, Louis was spotted winking at observers, as big sister Princess Charlotte watched on.
A scene-stealing archer
Prince Louis surprised onlookers when he visited Upton Scout’s Hut in Slough back in 2023 and gave archery a go. Accompanied by his mum and two siblings, Louis wasn’t afraid to get stuck in. Could we have a mini Robin Hood in the making?
Conquer collector extraordinaire
Louis has developed quite a unique habit in more recent years, according to his mother, Kate Middleton. When working alongside Melania Trump as part of the American state visit in September this year, she revealed her youngest son has started collecting conquers – and they’re finding them everywhere.
“We keep finding conkers in cupboards, in his bed—conkers everywhere!” the Princess of Wales said, before adding Louis like sto put them in his toy trucks to play with.
In addition to this, Louis reportedly likes touch rugby, like big brother Prince George, as well as learning the drums in his spare time.
“It’s why I spend most of my time with my fingers in my ears,” Prince William humorously confided to Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones last November.
Looks as if it’s all kicking off in the Wales household!
Kimberley Bond is a Multiplatform Writer for Harper’s Bazaar, focusing on the arts, culture, careers and lifestyle. She previously worked as a Features Writer for Cosmopolitan UK, and has bylines at The Telegraph, The Independent and British Vogue among countless others.
Follow