Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge announced their new royal baby’s name is officially Louis Arthur Charles, but how should royal fans pronounce the new royal baby name when they’re breathlessly talking about him? Over in France, Louis is pronounced Lou-EE. The American way: Lou-ISS.
According to People, the “s” in His Royal Highness Prince Louis of Cambridge’s royal baby name is silent, and we should all be saying his name the French way.
The name “Louis” runs in the family. It’s Prince William’s middle name, and Prince George’s too.
But his moniker likely pays tribute to Lord Mountbatten, Prince Charles’ great-uncle who was assassinated by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1979. There’s more. Prince Philip, the newborn’s great-grandfather, had a grandfather named Prince Louis of Battenberg.
And there’s ties to old French royal family history too. This little Louis follows in the illustrious footsteps of other famous royals. There’s Marie Antoinette’s husband, Louis XVI, and King Louis XIV, a.k.a. the Sun King who built the Palace of Versailles.
Get it right, it’s the French way. And carry on.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com