On Monday, the birth of the third child of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, aka Kate Middleton, was announced by a “self-proclaimed Royalist Town Crier.” Ever since Princess Charlotte was officially promoted to big sister, royal family enthusiasts have been waiting with bated breath to learn the name of William and Kate’s baby son.
Today, Kensington Palace announced the news in a tweet (I really wish the town crier had delivered the news, but you can’t have everything). The newest addition to the family is named Louis Arthur Charles, and he will be known as His Royal Highness Prince Louis of Cambridge.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to announce that they have named their son Louis Arthur Charles.
The baby will be known as His Royal Highness Prince Louis of Cambridge. pic.twitter.com/4DUwsLv5JQ
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) April 27, 2018
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Louis wasn’t the most obvious choice for the little prince’s name. Bookies had their money on Arthur, followed by James, Albert, Philip, Alexander and Henry. Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, toldPeople that Louis is likely a tribute to the baby’s grandfather, Prince Philip. It was also the name of Prince Charles’ great-uncle and mentor, Earl Louis Mountbatten, who was murdered in 1979.
“Louis is obviously a favorite name and an indirect nod to the Duke of Edinburgh and his side of the family. I did think that Philip might have appeared in there somewhere,” Little told People.
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The bookies’ top choice, Arthur, made it as the middle name. This name is rich in British history — who could forget King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table from the sixth century? It’s also one of Prince Charles’ middle names.
And speaking of Prince Charles, William and Kate included a tribute to little Louis’ grandfather in his name. Charles is the second middle name of the royal baby. Similarly, Princess Charlotte’s second middle name is Diana after her late grandmother — so, although naming a royal baby is complicated business, William and Kate have found a pattern when it comes to family tributes.
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Now that little Louis officially has a name fit for a prince, the family is settling into their new routine back home at Kensington Palace. “[Parenthood] suits them really well,” a friend of Kate Middleton’s told People. “They are enjoying it and are very happy.”
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