He’s seven now. Let that sink in for a second. It feels like just yesterday Prince Louis was a tiny, squirming baby in the Lindo Wing, but in early 2026, he’s basically the royal family’s secret weapon for staying relevant. You’ve seen the memes. You know the face. The tongue-poking, the ear-covering, the "I’m done with this parade" energy that has launched a thousand TikToks.
But there is a lot more going on with the youngest Wales kid than just being the "cheeky one" at Trooping the Colour. Honestly, if you look past the funny photos, you see a kid who is being raised in a way that’s fundamentally different from any "spare" in British history. Prince William and Catherine are literally ripping up the rulebook for him. They have to. They saw what happened with Harry, and they aren't about to let Louis fall into that same "lost" trap.
Why the Move to Forest Lodge Changed Everything
In late 2025, the family packed up Adelaide Cottage and moved into Forest Lodge. It's a Grade II listed Georgian spot in Windsor Great Park. It’s got eight bedrooms, which is a massive upgrade from the cramped four they had before.
Why does this matter for Louis? Because he’s finally got room to breathe. The vibe at the Lodge is way more "middle-class-childhood-with-a-crown" than "stiff-palace-living." Insiders say the kids don't even have mobile phones. Kate is famously strict about screen time. Instead, Louis is out in the mud. He’s obsessed with rugby—specifically touch rugby. His mom recently joked that she has to keep an eye on him because he’s getting a bit too competitive.
He’s not being raised to be a "professional royal" in the way we usually think. He’s being raised to have a life outside the firm.
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The "Spare" Problem and the 2011 Rule Change
Most people still talk about the line of succession like it’s the Middle Ages. But thanks to the 2011 change in male-preference primogeniture, Louis is the first younger brother who didn't jump over his sister, Charlotte, in line for the throne.
He is fourth. Charlotte is third.
This has a massive psychological impact. Since Charlotte is now the "backup," the pressure on Louis is... well, it’s basically gone. Royal experts like Robert Jobson have pointed out that William and Catherine are actively encouraging Louis to find a "passion" that gives him personal fulfillment. They want him to have a career. Could we see a Prince who is an architect? A pilot who actually stays in the private sector? It’s totally on the table.
That "Savage" Moment with William
People were obsessed with the VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations in May 2025. It was raining. It was cold. Louis was seven at the time and, frankly, he wasn't having it.
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Lip readers caught him asking his dad a pretty blunt six-word question: "Wasn't this supposed to be fun?"
William’s response was actually kind of sweet. He didn't snap. He told him, "It is, son," and explained that he’d never forget the moment. It shows the dynamic. William isn't trying to crush the kid's personality; he's trying to coach him through the boredom of the job. It's a "lead by example" thing rather than a "do what you're told because I'm the King" thing.
What's Next for Louis in 2026?
The big rumor—and it’s looking more like a reality—is the first-ever U.S. trip for the kids. Word is the Wales family is eyeing Los Angeles for the 2026 World Cup.
Imagine Prince Louis in LA. The cameras will lose it.
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He’s also still at Lambrook School for now, but with George heading off to a new school (likely Eton) after he turns 13 this year, the family dynamic is shifting. Louis is becoming the "big kid" at home while his brother moves into the next phase of training.
The Reality of the "Meme King"
We call him the Meme King because it’s funny. But Louis represents the modern monarchy’s survival. If the royals are too stiff, they die out. If they’re too "normal," they lose the magic. Louis is that perfect, chaotic middle ground. He’s a kid who brushes raindrops off his dad’s jacket one minute and makes a "blah blah" face at his mom the next.
He’s authentic. People like authentic.
Practical Takeaways for Royal Watchers:
- Succession check: Louis remains 4th in line. He won't be "bumped" by anyone other than George's future children.
- Career path: Expect him to be the first "working Prince" with a non-royal day job.
- Public sightings: Keep an eye on the World Cup 2026 schedule; that’s your best bet for seeing the "cheeky" side of the family on international soil.
- The "Clone" Theory: If you think he looks familiar, check out photos of Kate’s dad, Michael Middleton. The resemblance is actually wild.
The era of the "spare" being a tragic figure is over if William has anything to say about it. Louis is the blueprint for the new version.