'Allow me to convince you why Prince Louis is the ultimate third child.'

In every family, there's a role you fall into. In my family, the eldest is the golden child—behaviourally and follicularly. The middle has an identity complex: "Am I one of the big girls, or one of the little girls?" And the youngest? The youngest is UNHINGED.

Which brings me to Prince Louis.

At just seven years old, the youngest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales has already cemented his place in royal history. Not for his lineage, but for his complete and utter refusal to act like a functioning member of the monarchy.

While George and Charlotte have clearly read the royal rulebook (taking care not to crumple the pages), Louis is the one scribbling on it in crayon, giggling, then blowing raspberries during the national anthem and hamming it up for the press. He is the chaos. He is the content.

And honestly? He's my favourite.

Watch: Parenting Time Saving Hacks. Post continues after video.

Let's recap some of Prince Louis' most unhinged third-child moments, shall we?

VE Day Parade 2025.

He mimicked George's hair flip, yawned dramatically, brushed off Prince William's uniform like he was Beyoncé, and pulled faces at the crowd like he was in a school play. William carried on like nothing was happening. George silently seethed. Catherine blinked slowly. Classic third-child family response.

Image: Getty.

Queen's Jubilee 2022.

Louis shushed his mother by placing a full hand over her mouth during a live televised event. He then pulled faces, stuck out his tongue, and reacted to the flypast like he was being tortured by sound. The Queen herself smiled at him because, if you've reigned for 70 years, you know better than to challenge a toddler with that much chaotic energy.

Image: Getty.

King Charles' Coronation 2023.

Louis danced on the balcony and had to be quietly escorted out. Side note: I expect he will be very fun at a boozy brunch one day.

Image: Getty.

Trooping the Colour (2022, 2023, 2024…)

Whether it was pointing at helicopters like he'd never seen the sky before or giggling so hard he almost fell out of the carriage, Louis has used this formal military event to workshop his future comedy act. Charlotte, ever the sweet and sensible sibling, has been seen nudging him into position, fixing his posture, and at one point silently mouthing, "Put your arms down."

Image: Getty.

Archery Day 2023.

Louis took part in a family volunteering event and immediately tried to operate a digger, do archery, and shovel dirt like he was on a preschool episode of Survivor. His siblings quietly helped stain some timber.

Image: Getty.

School drop-off 2022.

On his first day at Lambrook, he looked suspiciously unimpressed about the whole thing, while his older siblings gave polite smiles and answered questions for the press. Louis? He had better things to do.

Image: Getty.

Every balcony appearance, ever.

If there is a balcony, he will wave too hard. If there is a camera, he will pose. If there is a royal carriage, he will turn it into a stage.

Image: Getty.

These are not isolated incidents. These are the third child personality traits.

Third child truths every parent knows.

So as the current wrangler of a third child (yes, I need all your thoughts and prayers), here are some things I know to be true.

1. They're experts at pushing buttons.

Third children have spent years observing family dynamics, learning exactly how to get under their siblings' skin. Louis mocking George's hairflip? Classic third child. My eldest, Grace, ran to me in tears because "Lily was teasing" her. Lily is 2.5. But honestly? I didn't doubt Grace for a second. Lily, like every third child, is incredibly observant and knows precisely which buttons to press.

The cheeky third child in question. Image: Supplied.

2. They're fearless — physically and emotionally.

Third children grow up adored by older siblings and parents alike, giving them an unshakeable confidence. They know they're safe, loved, and fiercely protected, allowing them the freedom to take physical and emotional risks that their older siblings might never have dreamed of, whether that's dancing in a royal carriage in front of a crowd of millions or climbing into the island bench to make breakfast.

Image: Supplied.

3. They idolise their older siblings (but will never admit it).

Despite their bravado, third children secretly worship their older siblings. My youngest is often found "reading" The Babysitters Club books or parading around proudly in her big sisters' school uniforms. She'd never openly admit this admiration, of course — it's all part of the act.

Image: Supplied.

4. They are loud — because survival demands it.

Third children quickly learn that volume equals attention. If they don't shout, they simply won't be heard. My youngest screams so loudly that my mum often turns off her hearing aids. For third children, loudness isn't optional; it's a critical survival skill.

Image: Supplied.

My advice for Catherine and William.

Plot twist: I have none. Honestly, I think they're doing a great job. When I see Louis tugging on his father's ceremonial uniform or shushing the future Queen of England on live TV, I don't see his mischief. I see their solidarity.

Catherine and Wills are doing what all third-time parents do.

They're laughing. They're lightly ignoring him. They're quietly letting the nanny take him for a walk during the boring bits. Ok, that last one's less relatable but all third-time parents would 100 per cent do that too if we could afford a nanny.

They're letting the world see what happens when your parenting ambitions give way to survival instincts. That moment you stop caring what anyone thinks and realise the most powerful tool in your parenting toolbox is strategic indifference. Care about the big things, don't sweat the small stuff.

They know Louis will probably forget his shoes one day at a royal engagement. That he will interrupt a formal speech to ask for a biscuit. 

And they will let him. Because he is the third child. And that's just how it goes.

Feature Image: Supplied/Getty.