The newest member of the British Royal family has a name! In a statement issued Friday, the Kensington Palace revealed Prince William and Duchess Catherine’s third child’s name is Louis Arthur Charles. His official title is His Royal Highness Prince Louis of Cambridge.
Prince Louis’ dad William also has the name “Louis” in his name, and he uses the French pronunciation “Loo-wee” instead of the Anglicized “Lew-is.” So, just like Louis Armstrong and Louis Vuitton.
What does the new prince’s name mean? Find out below!
The name Louis Arthur Charles is heavy with royal history and significance.
Louis means “renowned warrior” in French. It’s probably a nod to Prince Philip’s grandfather Prince Louis Alexander of Battenberg, as well as Prince Charles’ great-uncle Earl Louis Mountbatten, who was killed by the IRA in 1979. Prince Charles was very close with Earl Louis, and looked up to him as a mentor. Prince Louis’ older brother Prince George also has the name Louis as part of his full name, George Alexander Louis.
Arthur means “bear” in Celtic and is most famous because of the legend of King Arthur who ruled Camelot during the medieval ages. (It’s not really known if there was a real “King Arthur,” but historians do believe there was a Roman-affiliated leader who defended Britain from Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries.)
Arthur is a very popular name in the Royal Family. Both William and Charles have it in their names. Arthur was als0 the name of Queen Victoria’s seventh child.
Charles, which means “free man,” is Prince Louis’ grandfather’s name. If Charles ascends to the throne, he’ll become Prince Charles III.
Bookies who placed bets on the new prince’s name were taken by surprise with the name “Louis.” “Albert” and “Arthur” were among the favorites with bettors.
