When Prince Louis was born on April 23, 2018, the announcement of his name sparked confusion among many due to its pronunciation. The name “Louis,” commonly pronounced as “Loo-ee” in French, led to a debate among the public, with some mistakenly pronouncing it as “Lewis.” The confusion was compounded by the silent ‘S’ in the name, which is typical in French pronunciation but unfamiliar to many English speakers.
Prince Louis Arthur Charles, the youngest child of Prince William and Kate Middleton, shares his name with several notable royals, including Prince Philip’s uncle, Lord Louis Mountbatten, a significant figure in the royal family. Lord Mountbatten was a mentor to King Charles and played a crucial role in Prince Philip’s life, often referred to as the “secret weapon” of the royal family. The young prince’s name is a tribute to these historical connections.
The announcement of Louis’ name led to widespread online discussions, as people debated the correct pronunciation. Some British people, unfamiliar with the French name’s pronunciation, struggled with it, and the confusion spread to social media. The name Louis has been a common choice in the royal family, with 18 French kings bearing the name and several British royals, including Prince George Alexander Louis.
Prince Louis was born in the private Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital in London, weighing 8lb 7oz. He was baptized with six godparents, including close friends and family members of his parents. Despite the initial confusion over his name, Prince Louis has become a well-known figure in the royal family, often seen alongside his siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, during public appearances.
