Five-year-old Prince Louis stole the show at his grandfather's coronation, according to sources close to the royal family. The youngest member of the congregation was lively and fidgety throughout the ceremony, but he did his family proud by belting out the National Anthem and showing remarkable poise under pressure. Prince Louis was impeccably turned out in a Hainsworth Garter Blue Doeskin Tunic with lace embellishments, and he held hands with his elder sister, Princess Charlotte, as they processed in and out of Westminster Abbey.
Prince George, who carried his grandfather's velvet robes, also played his role perfectly, displaying a solemn awareness of the occasion. However, all eyes were on Prince Louis, who appeared amazed by the grand surroundings of Westminster Abbey and occasionally yawned as he tried to keep up with the spectacle.
Prince Louis arrived at the Abbey in one of the Bentley State Limousines with his parents and sister, waving to the crowds as they arrived amid loud cheers. He had a front-row seat sandwiched between his mother and sister, and he followed the service intently, occasionally asking questions and studying his order of service.
After an hour into the service, Prince Louis was taken away by an aide in a nod to his tender age. The Prince and Princess had earlier decided that it would be too much to expect their younger son to remain seated through the entire two-hour ceremony. The decision followed a precedent set by Prince Charles, who as a four-year-old became the first child in British history to witness their mother's coronation in 1953.
Prince Louis rejoined his family in time for an enthusiastic rendition of the National Anthem and then joined the Coronation Procession to Buckingham Palace in the Australian State Coach. He gazed out of the window in awe, taking in the huge crowds and exclaiming, "All these people waving!"
Later, when the family emerged onto the balcony, the children remained on their best behaviour, with Prince Louis thumping his fists on the balcony and waving with both hands. He even gestured wildly to the crowd, shouting, "look over there!"
There is no doubt that Prince Louis stole the show with his lively and endearing presence throughout the coronation ceremony. Despite his tender age, he displayed remarkable poise and awareness of the occasion, making his family proud.
