During the VE Day commemorations, Prince Louis found the perfect way to get his father Prince William’s attention.
Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 — the children of Prince William and Kate Middleton — made an unexpected appearance at the royal family’s first official engagement of the week, celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The youngest sibling didn’t miss his chance to stand out. The royal family gathered at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace to observe a military parade along The Mall, and it was there that Louis made his playful move.
While seated with the family, Louis was caught on camera gently pulling at the aiguillette (braid) on Prince William’s RAF No. 1 uniform. He also lightly tapped his father’s shoulder a couple of times. Unfazed by his son’s behavior, the 42-year-old Prince of Wales remained engaged in conversation, showing no signs of being disturbed. Joining the royal family at the event were Prime Minister Keir Starmer and veterans from the Royal British Legion, all watching as 1,300 members of the Armed Forces marched past.
But the light-hearted moment between father and son wasn’t their only memorable exchange. According to lip reader Nicola Hickling, as reported by The Sun, Prince Louis had a humorous take on the formalities.
“Wasn’t this supposed to be fun?” Louis is said to have asked, prompting Prince William to calmly reply, “It is, son.”
Hickling also observed Prince William leaning in to help his young son understand what was happening. “You’ll never forget this,” he told Louis, before pointing out the direction of the procession. “They will come along here, then head towards there, and we’ll make our way back,” he explained, encouraging Louis to pay close attention. William reportedly added, “It won’t be long, and I want you to be interested.”
This appearance marked the children’s first public outing of the year, as they joined the royal family in honoring World War II veterans. After the parade, George, Charlotte, and Louis appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch a flypast featuring the red, white, and blue colors of the British flag. They had received a day off school for the occasion. The event was attended by King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince Edward, Sophie (Duchess of Edinburgh), Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Edward (Duke of Kent), and their parents.
May 8 commemorates the 80th anniversary of VE Day, celebrating the end of World War II in Europe. The working royals are scheduled to participate in several engagements this week in honor of the historic milestone, with Prince George taking on a significant role.
Following Monday’s parade and flypast, the royal family headed back to the palace for their next engagement. King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, are hosting a tea reception for some of the last surviving World War II veterans and their families. George is joining William and Kate for the occasion.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are gradually introducing their children to public duties, and Prince George’s attendance at the tea marks the most formal royal role he has taken on so far. As the second in line to the throne, he follows directly behind his father, Prince William.