Given its prominence as a royal name for centuries, it's perhaps surprising that Prince George of Cambridge is just one of a handful of modern royals who bear the name, Louis. From medieval times to the beginning of the 20th century, you couldn't shake a scepter or throw an orb without hitting at least one king, prince, duke or royal relation called Louis. Today, you'll have to look hard to find a boy with the name left to us by Charlemagne.
Louis XIV of France is perhaps the most famous of the many kings who have had the name
In fact, given that the name was most closely associated with the French monarchy and that for centuries there was a deep rivalry between the kings of France and those of England, Louis is best used in the British royal family at the start of the 21st century. Future kings William and George have it as a middle name as does the Queen's youngest son, Edward of Wessex. Elsewhere, you have to look pretty hard to find a Louis. Princess Stephanie of Monaco's only son is called Louis and the third child of the Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg bears the name but he gave up his succession rights in 2006 following his morganatic marriage. His eldest son, Gabriel, who has no succession rights has Louis as a middle name.
Prince Louis of Luxembourg with his wife, Princess Tessy, and their two sons, Gabriel and Noah. The prince gave up all rights to the succession of his country for himself and all his descendants when he married Tessy in 2006.
But there is one king keeping the monarchical tradition of Louis alive while William and George wait their turn. The new king of the Belgians is Philippe Leopold Louis Marie. It might be in third position but it's still clinging on.
King Philippe of the Belgians takes his oath on July 21st 2013
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