Why Prince Louis represents a historic shift in British royal succession rules

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Born in 2018, Prince Louis of Wales holds a unique position in the British monarchy. While he is fourth in line to the throne, his place in the order of succession marks a significant departure from centuries of royal tradition, reflecting modern legal changes regarding gender and birth order.

Prince Louis Arthur Charles arrived on April 23, 2018, at St Mary's Hospital in London. As the youngest son of William and Catherine, the current Prince and Princess of Wales, he entered the world during the final years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. His name pays tribute to both his grandfather, King Charles III, and his ancestor, Louis, Earl Mountbatten of Burma. His early years were spent between Kensington Palace and Anmer Hall, before the family moved to Adelaide Cottage in 2022.

The most notable aspect of Louis's status is his rank in the line of succession. He currently sits fourth, following his father and his two older siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. This arrangement is the direct result of the Perth Agreement, which fundamentally altered how the British crown is inherited. By replacing the traditional male-preference primogeniture with absolute primogeniture, the law ensures that birth order determines succession regardless of gender.

Consequently, Louis holds the distinction of being the first British prince to be positioned behind an elder sister in the line of succession. This shift represents a move away from historical practices that previously prioritized male heirs over their older female counterparts. While his life has been marked by traditional royal milestones—such as his 2019 debut at Trooping the Colour, his attendance at his grandfather's 2023 coronation, and his schooling at Lambrook—his place in the constitutional order serves as a quiet, permanent record of legislative modernization within the monarchy.

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