During Queen Elizabeth II’s final Trooping the Colour celebration in 2022, it was young Prince Louis who ended up stealing the spotlight on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Just four years old at the time, the little prince charmed the public with his playful and cheeky behavior.
But among all the attention he drew, one sweet and innocent question he asked his great-grandmother truly touched hearts. That year’s Trooping the Colour was extra special, as it coincided with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, celebrating her 70 years on the throne.
What Did Prince Louis Say on the Balcony?
During the balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace, lipreader Jeremy Freeman revealed that young Prince Louis, eyes fixed on the sky, asked Queen Elizabeth II, “Are the Red Arrows coming?”
The Queen reportedly replied, “I hope so,” according to Freeman’s reading, as shared by The Mirror.
Moments later, as the Red Arrows flew overhead, filling the sky with red, white, and blue trails, Louis lit up with excitement.
Freeman noted that Louis shouted, “yes, yes, yes!”, to which the Queen gently responded, “There it is.”
With amazement, Louis added, “Oh, Red Arrows, whoah!”
The touching moment showed the special connection between the Queen and her great-grandson.
Freeman also caught Louis covering his ears when the planes roared by, forming a giant “70” in the sky to honor the Queen’s reign.
The Queen reportedly said, “ohh fun,” while Princess Kate added, “amazing,” and Princess Charlotte exclaimed, “wow.”
Startled by the noise, Louis reportedly said, “Whoa, that was loud!”
Kate, clearly proud, turned to Prince William and said, “Look at him,” watching their youngest enjoy the spectacle.
What is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour is one of the most recognizable and celebrated traditions in the British royal calendar.
Held each year to mark the monarch’s official birthday, this ceremonial event includes a grand military parade and an impressive flypast by the Royal Air Force.
The royal family typically watches the flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace — a moment widely captured and shared.
The tradition dates back to the 1600s, when it began as a military exercise to prepare soldiers for battle. Over time, it has transformed into a vibrant showcase of national pride and pageantry.
How old was Prince Louis when Queen Elizabeth II died?
Prince Louis was just four years old when Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96.
Prince Louis, now seven, continues to charm at public events.
At the VE Day 80th anniversary, he stole the spotlight with playful moments—flicking his hair, copying Prince George, and tugging on Prince William’s uniform.
He politely tried to get his dad’s attention mid-conversation and later wowed fans on the Buckingham Palace balcony with his wide-eyed excitement.
Yet when it counted, Louis stood still and proud during the national anthem, showing he already understands his royal role.