5 Things That Will Change for Prince Louis When He Turns 18

As a young royal, much of Prince Louis's public life is currently shaped by his parents. 8 years old, his few appearances are largely state occasions that see the entire royal family come together. His parents, Prince William and Princess Kate, have been careful to give their children as normal a childhood as possible. However, things could look very different once Louis reaches adulthood. The Prince is likely to attain financial independence and even potentially take on royal patronages and military affiliations amid many other responsibilities. Here are a few things that could change for Prince Louis when he turns 18.

On turning 18, Louis could have a much more independent role within the monarchy. At the moment, his public appearances are mainly connected to his family. He appears alongside William, Kate, George, and Charlotte at major royal occasions rather than carrying out engagements on his own. But upon turning 18, members of the Royal Family can take on individual patronages and represent organizations that reflect their own interests. The Palace has previously described royal patronages as an important way for working royals to support charities and organisations through official engagements. However, turning 18 would not automatically make Louis a full-time working royal. People previously explained that Louise, like his other relatives, namely Zara Tindall, Peter Phillips, and others, can make a choice about how closely he wants his adult life to be tied to royal duties, and turning 18 is his first step in that direction.

For now, Louis's security protection is naturally considered part of the wider security arrangements surrounding the Wales family. But being 18 would mark a different stage of his life, particularly if he begins carrying out solo engagements, travelling independently, or taking on a more visible public role. Louis's adult security arrangements could depend on factors including his public role, movements, and assessed level of risk. For Louis, adulthood could therefore mean more independence but also more responsibility for his own public life and movements.

Military service could become one of the biggest expectations placed on Louis as he grows older. It is not automatic that turning 18 means Louis has to join the Armed Forces. But military service has traditionally played an important role in the lives of senior male royals, including King Charles, William and Prince Harry. Royal expert Richard Kay previously predicted that George and Louis could eventually undertake some form of military service. Talking to Marie Claire, he shared, “We can confidently expect that George and Louis, at some stage, will do some form of military service.” Kay continued, “I think it is a tradition that will continue.”

Royal dukedoms have traditionally been bestowed on royal princes, often around marriage or another major stage of their lives. Prince William, for example, became the Duke of Cambridge when he married Kate in 2011. Hence, Louis will also receive a new title after turning 18 at some point in his adult life. That means Louis could eventually stop being known simply as Prince Louis of Wales and receive a territorial title of his own. While the obvious title for him was the Duke of York, it might not fructify now owing to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's association with the title. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said the Duke of York title has become so closely associated with Andrew that it may not be used again anytime soon. He said to Geo News, “Duke of York rings alarm bells worldwide.” Similarly even told Fox News that Louis may never inherit the title as it's “terribly tarnished," but he will definitely have a title of his own.