Watching adorable baby photos of Prince William running around as a toddler is almost a mandatory moment when you talk British royalty these days – his father himself admits the little royal lived by “run wild, then wash your hands.” Though grown up, perhaps that energy still lingers in his genes – it definitely seems palpable this week as videos circulate of 5-year-old Prince Louis at Trooping the Colour.
While older brother George carried out royal duties with grace (albeit a hint of bored stiffness common for teenagers in uniform), and Princess Charlotte proved her future queenly poise, Prince Louis’ shenanigans stole the show online. He playfully nibbled a straw hat, interacted quite obviously with his Uncle Harry across distances (that mischievous side-eye!), and generally displayed an infectious enthusiasm that brought instant waves of affection from viewers who couldn’t help but relate to his very human exuberance.
Some pundits noted this as a potential “parenting blunder,” suggesting William and Kate allowed chaos at a high-profile event reserved for decorum. But is it actually? Considering their public image, the Cambridges appear less bothered with “prim and proper” than previous generations of royals.
They prioritize naturalness. This playfulness is an example of allowing Louis to be a happy kid – something arguably even more valuable than flawlessly executed royal duties at this age. Additionally, Louis’ joy is often countered with moments where he clearly seeks direction from his father – whether it’s about waving or placing his hand on a window ledge, these interventions show that gentle guidance is present alongside flexibility. Moreover, think beyond optics: the sheer entertainment their young son created was good PR. It fostered a heartwarming narrative for an institution often perceived to be somewhat stuffy and removed from modern realities. This lighthearted “oops” factor likely played better with social media audiences worldwide.
William said famously, “I worry about him sometimes, as kids are very vulnerable when they leave the protection of school.” But clearly, parents (or in this case, royal parents as well!) prioritize those moments where childhood thrives even if it means loosening control momentarily and embracing chaos in the midst of it all. In Louis’ rambunctious energy, we simply see a bit more raw, unabashed self in these traditionally formal settings – a breath of fresh air from what has come before and a reminder that even princes become very relatable children when given free reign on Trooping the Colour. That mischievous energy certainly comes full circle; it’s the type William showed as part of that “run wild” generation, reinforcing the timeless appeal of children genuinely at play. Let Louis play a bit longer – after all, this stage is fleeting
The narrative built by images and stories of the little royals shows us families evolve
and expectations adapt with time. It might be a bit louder with confetti being grabbed (and thrown!), crowns momentarily skewed, and giggling that carries throughout the crowd. This evolving reality of royals in modern society might just resonate most powerfully because it mirrors exactly how so many ordinary lives play out – kids being kids, parents embracing the moments of delightful mayhem and capturing genuine expressions on camera for the generations to come. These aren’t staged photoshoots, they tell stories as authentic and messy as childhood comes.