Prince William and Kate Middleton ‘have a plan’ to cease Louis taking up Harry’s ‘spare’ label

Royal experts have revealed how Prince William and Kate Middleton are ensuring their youngest feels cherished despite his role as the “spare” to future King George

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Royal fans are gearing up for the upcoming VE Day celebrations and many are finding it impossible not to look back at the hilarious antics of Prince Louis from last year’s event. While the rest of the Firm stood tall at the Queen Victoria Memorial, the youngest Wales sibling was busy stealing the show.

From coolly mimicking big brother Prince George’s hair-slicking moves to cheekily tugging at Prince William’s RAF uniform, the little royal proved he is the undisputed king of comedy.

It’s far from the first time the youngster has left the nation in stitches and fans are crossing their digits it won’t be the last.

Whether he is blowing raspberries at mum Kate, snuggling up to King Charles, or showing off his best dance moves on the Buckingham Palace balcony, Louis has firmly cemented his status as a national treasure.

As the third child of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Louis sits fourth in the line of succession. While that technically puts him in the “spare” category once occupied by his uncle, Prince Harry, insiders suggest his parents are determined to ensure he never feels like a backup.

Rather than fading into the background, Louis is being encouraged to embrace his big personality. Even Prince William can’t help but acknowledge his son’s cheeky streak.

He previously said: “He’s a character, but he’s a very good boy. He likes to wind his brother and sister up.”

Now, with Louis nearing his eighth birthday on April 23, attention will focus on his ongoing emergence into public duties, reports the Mirror.

His advancing years will likely bring greater knowledge of his royal responsibilities, alongside recognition that his elder brother George, 12, faces a different destiny.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said: “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.

“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.”

However, royal insiders suggest William and Kate are committed to making sure their youngest child – affectionately referred to by Kate as Lou Bug – feels just as loved as his older siblings.

They’re undoubtedly acutely aware of the potential difficulties associated with being the royal “spare”, as underscored by Prince Harry in his autobiographical work of the same title.

“I was the shadow, the support, the Plan B,” he said, following his and Meghan’s departure from royal duties. “I was brought into the world in case something happened to Willy.

Jennie said: “After all that’s happened with Harry, William and Catherine are bound to be hugely sensitive to how they bring up Charlotte and Louis.

“At home, I’m sure they strive to ensure that all three children are treated exactly the same. But there can’t be many people better qualified to deal with this complex situation than Catherine.”

Kate has devoted over a decade to studying early childhood development, which became a central pillar of her official duties following the launch of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in 2021.

She undoubtedly applies her expertise at home, while protecting her children from royal life’s demands. George, Charlotte and Louis are being slowly introduced to public duties as they reach suitable ages, and all three attend Lambrook prep school near their Windsor home.

George may be destined to become King, but with a freshly “slimmed down” monarchy ahead, Charlotte and Louis are also expected to assume crucial positions within The Firm.

And, as royal expert Hugo Vickers explains, one of Kate’s most vital duties will be ensuring their steady upbringing as they mature into their designated roles.

Hugo said: “Kate and William are concentrating on the children and doing a really good job. They do the school run, they go to matches and they have supper together.

“You hear so much about the royal family being dysfunctional, and I think Catherine and William will be concentrating on giving their family a really sound and happy childhood.

“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.”

Hugo added: “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.”

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