Prince Louis and his sister, Princess Charlotte, may never become king or queen, as their older brother, Prince George, is next in line after their father, Prince William. However, Louis and Charlotte will play important roles within the British Royal Family as they grow older. Their uncle, Prince Harry, has raised concerns about their future, suggesting that they might experience the same feelings of being a “spare” as he did, standing in the shadow of Prince George, just as Harry felt overshadowed by William.
William and Kate Middleton, however, have reportedly taken a different approach to raising their children. They want to ensure that Louis and Charlotte have fulfilling lives outside of royal duties, balancing their roles within the monarchy with personal careers or passions. Royal experts believe that William and Kate are working hard to avoid the pitfalls that Harry experienced, particularly the feeling of being secondary to the heir.
Harry, who left the Royal Family and moved to the U.S. with his wife, Meghan Markle, has shared his concerns about Louis and Charlotte’s futures. In his memoir Spare, Harry revealed his fear that one of William’s children would grow up feeling like “the spare,” just as he did. Harry has discussed this with William, but his brother reportedly emphasized that the responsibility for his children’s future lies with him, not Harry.
Despite the controversy surrounding Harry’s remarks, royal experts believe William and Kate are keenly aware of the potential challenges facing their younger children. They are raising them with a modern approach, focusing on love, equality, and opportunities outside of royal life. According to royal commentator Jennie Bond, William and Kate are likely to encourage Louis to explore interests outside the royal fold, possibly in areas like the military, charity work, or other career paths that align with his passions.
Furthermore, Kate and William have been cautious about introducing Louis to the public spotlight. Unlike his siblings, who have attended high-profile events like Wimbledon and Euro 2024, Louis has been largely absent. Royal experts believe this is a deliberate decision by his parents to protect him from the pressures of public life at such a young age. As royal expert Lizzie Robinson explains, William and Kate are managing their children’s exposure to public life on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that each child is introduced at the right time.
For now, Louis is just a six-year-old, enjoying a happy childhood, and his parents are allowing him the space to grow at his own pace. While the media and royal fans are eager to see more of him, William and Kate are making thoughtful decisions about when Louis will step into the public eye.
Looking ahead, it seems that William and Kate are focused on ensuring that Louis, Charlotte, and George each have a fulfilling life, regardless of their place in the line of succession. They want their children to be grounded, happy, and free to explore their individual paths, whether inside or outside of royal duties.