The British royal family has always been a source of intrigue, drawing in fans from all corners of the globe with its lavish weddings, family disputes, and the captivating stories that unfold behind palace walls.
Recently, a surprising development has emerged regarding Prince Louis, who is cherished by royal watchers for his lively demeanor.
It turns out that he may one day inherit a title steeped in a history of tragedies that dates back to the late 17th century, passed down from his father.
Titles in the royal family are not just words; they carry rich histories.
When King Charles ascended the throne, his son William became the Prince of Wales, but he still holds onto his previous title as the Duke of Cambridge.
This duality means that one day, either his son George or Louis could potentially inherit the Duke of Cambridge title.
Yet, many royal enthusiasts might be unaware of the somber legacies attached to those who previously held this title.
The Duke of Cambridge title was first established during the reign of Charles II in 1660.
Remarkably, only eight individuals have bore this title since its inception, and the early years were marked by a series of tragic deaths.
The very first Duke, Charles Stuart, was the king’s eldest nephew but sadly passed away at just six months old.
His younger brother, James, also succumbed to illness, believed to be either smallpox or the bubonic plague.
The misfortunes continued with Edgar Stuart, the next in line, who died at the tender age of three.
The pattern of loss persisted when their younger sibling, Charles Stuart, tragically lived only 35 days.
After these heartbreaking events, the title remained dormant until Queen Anne revived it in 1706, bestowing it upon what would become King George II.
Over the years, the title transitioned through various royal hands, eventually reaching King George III via his seventh son, Prince Adolphus.
Following Prince George’s death, the title became extinct due to a marriage that contravened the Royal Marriages Act of 1772.
Currently, Prince George is the heir to the Dukedom of Cambridge, but whether he will inherit it hinges on the timing of his father’s ascension to the throne and his own future marital choices.
Should George become the Prince of Wales sooner than expected, there’s a chance that Louis could step into the role of the next Duke of Cambridge.
Conversely, if George inherits his father’s title, Louis might be granted another prestigious title—the Duke of York, which is traditionally held by the monarch’s second son.
Amidst all this talk of titles and history, young Prince Louis has been making headlines for his spirited antics.
At this year’s Trooping the Colour ceremony, he stole the show with his animated expressions.
Caught on camera, he scrunched his face while his mother leaned down to interact with him on the balcony at Horse Guards Parade.
Not one to shy away from mischief, the playful six-year-old was seen tugging on the cord of the blinds as he chatted away with his mother.
Dressed in a stylish double-breasted blazer paired with shorts and a crisp shirt, he radiated charm and energy, much to the delight of royal fans.
During the parade, Louis even attempted to open a window next to the Duchess of Edinburgh, showcasing his curiosity and determination.
His reactions were priceless, particularly when he stared out the window with a knitted brow, mouth agape in wonder.
While Louis has yet to make his appearance at Wimbledon, his siblings have already enjoyed the experience.
Princess Charlotte, for instance, joined her mother and aunt, Pippa Middleton, in the royal box to witness the men’s singles finals.
A memorable moment came when the Princess of Wales received a signed pair of Adidas Stan Smith trainers from the 1972 champion, Stan Smith himself.
Though these sneakers are likely to remain pristine in Louis’s wardrobe, their sentimental value will surely grow over time.
While he may not grasp their significance now, it’s easy to imagine that once he becomes a teenager, he will treasure them as a unique piece of royal history.