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Prince Louis is growing up in the new era of the Royal Family. His parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, are focusing on modernizing the monarchy, and with that, how they raise their children. Meanwhile, the young prince is fourth in the line of succession behind his father and two older siblings, and will most likely never take the throne as king.

However, Louis certainly has an important role to play within the Royal Family, just as many of the siblings of kings and queens before him have. But is it really fair for him to always be in his older brother, Prince George’s shadow? Perhaps it’s time for the Royal Family to take a bold step, strip the younger children of their royal titles, and let them choose their own path in life.

Prince Harry will always be remembered as the “spare,” a role that saw him placed behind his older brother and, according to the Duke himself, not of any great importance. Growing up in the shadow of William – who was being raised to one day become king – must have been challenging, and ultimately Harry decided to leave.

Why Prince Louis should be stripped of his royal titles

The estranged prince has spoken out about how he’s worried that both Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will meet the same fate as him in the future; that they won’t be taken care of in the same way as Prince George, who one day will be king.

By all accounts, William and Kate Middleton want to modernize the monarchy and raise their children as normally as possible. But if it it’s ‘normal’ they’re striving for, isn’t it time for both Charlotte and Louis to choose their own futures?

If you ask me, Charlotte and Louis would greatly benefit from having their royal titles stripped, even if it seems like an outlandish step to take. Put simply: it’s time for the monarchy to let their youngest members decide for themselves.

First and foremost, the royal titles are viewed by some as an ancient custom. With the Royal Family having been on the receiving end of plenty of criticism in recent years, dropping the titles would better connect them to the public. Not only that, but wouldn’t it also make them more popular?

“A person of great importance”

If Prince Louis were to be stripped of his titles, as he grows up he could become a person of great importance, building bridges between the monarchy and normal citizens – something that is critical to the Royal Family’s long-term survival.

Prince Harry decided to embark on a unique journey, far away from royal life. There have been talks among royal experts that Prince Louis might be encouraged to aim for a career outside the walls of Buckingham Palace as well. If that turns out to be the case, and if a ‘normal’ life is what Louis himself ends up wanting, still having a royal title will make things a little strange.

Prince William and Kate Middleton want what is best for their children, that must is certain. With that in mind, I believe they could act now and strip both Louis and Charlotte of their royal titles. Of course, they likely won’t, and that just shows that the monarchy still has a long way to go towards being modern at all.