Why Prince Louis left King Charles' coronation service midway through - everything we know

Find out the real reason Prince William and the Princess of Wales' youngest son left his grandfather's coronation


Princess Kate walking with Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the coronation
Updated: On 28 February 2024

Royal watchers spotted that the Prince and Princess of Wales's youngest son, Prince Louis, left King Charles and Queen Camilla's coronation early – but what happened?

Louis' early exit was planned ahead of the historic service. The religious and solemn ceremony is two hours long, and therefore due to his young age, the five-year-old quietly left the service alongside his nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo. This was the first major formal event attended by the youngster, who did not attend his great-grandmother Elizabeth II’s funeral in September.

WATCH: Louis and Charlotte arrive at Westminster Abbey

The royal siblings at the coronation

Louis did rejoin the festivities for the King's Procession. Meanwhile, his older siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, remained at the lengthy service.

Unlike the late Queen's Jubilee, where he delighted the public with his cheeky antics with mum Kate, Louis calmly held hands with his big sister while entering Westminster Abbey and later remained quiet for the service.

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Prince Louis pointing during the service

However, the youngster was snapped yawning and fidgeting during the service, and was pictured pointing out something of interest to his eight-year-old sister Charlotte.

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Prince Louis was absent during part of the ceremony

The royal was regally dressed for his grandad's special day in a Hainsworth Garter Blue Doeskin Tunic with specially designed lace work embellishment to the collar, cuffs and fronts, made by bespoke Savile Row tailors Dege and Skinner. His leg garment was black complete with Garter Blue stripe.

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Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte holding hands at King Charles' coronation

The young Prince left Westminster Abbey with Charlotte and his parents at the end of service and met with George, who acted as one of the King’s Pages of Honour. The Wales family then travelled back to Buckingham Palace in a carriage as part of the grand coronation procession.

Kate previously opened up about her children's nerves for the big day. During one heartwarming moment with a well-wisher, she said: "They are doing really well, thank you. [They] are excited but a bit nervous obviously with the big day ahead. But they can't wait." 

RELATED: Supernanny reacts to 'highly sensitive' Prince Louis' 'unpredictable' behaviour at latest royal event

READ: How George, Charlotte and Louis helped King Charles during half-term in Sandringham

What you need to know about George, Charlotte and Louis

Prince William and Kate's eldest child Prince George Alexander Louis was born at the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital on 22 July 2013. The Prince is second-in-line to the throne and will one day be King. In recent years, George has made more public appearances at major royal events and joined his parents on public engagements.

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Princess Charlotte of Wales and Britain's Prince Louis of Wales

His younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, born in 2015 and 2018 respectively, are third and fourth in line to the throne and are likely to carry out royal duties in future too. Like their elder brother, the young royals were also born at the Lindo Wing.

George, Charlotte and Louis are largely growing up out of the public eye, but attend royal occasions such as Trooping the Colour, Easter Sunday and Christmas church services.

Adorable Prince Louis moments...

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At the coronation, Prince Louis was on his best behaviour during the ceremony, although the young royal was occasionally seen fidgeting.

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Louis entered Westminster Abbey with his older sister at his side, and Charlotte made sure to hold her younger brother's hand.

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Although we know Louis will have had a great day at the coronation, the youngster looked a little nervous as he entered the Abbey alongside his family.

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Princess Charlotte really took on the role of protective sibling during the service, keeping an eye on her younger brother, who's known for his cheeky antics.

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Louis really came into his own during the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. And in an adorable moment, he was bounced on his grandfather's knee, and the two certainly have a close relationship.

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For his fifth birthday in 2023, photos were released showing the young royal playing with his mum in a wheelbarrow. Louis looked so happy in the sweet set of photos, just look at that smile!

Louis truly appeared to be ruling the roost during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, just look at his sweet pose!

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Of course, the youngster would be known for his cheeky moments during the celebration, and he's truly embracing that side in this snap.

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