A little-known rule dating back more than 100 years could have stopped Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis having their royal titles, until the Queen stepped in. Her Majesty, who was reportedly affectionately known as ‘Gan Gan’ by the Prince and Princess of Wales’s children, used her influence to overturn a rule put in place by her own grandfather King George V.
Back in 1917, he created new guidance by which royals were allowed to have titles, and who was too far down the line of succession to qualify.
He decided that all of the sovereign’s children would automatically become a Prince or Princess, as well as any grandchildren born through the male line. However, great-grandchildren weren’t included on the list.
With the late Queen’s reign being so long she spotted the potential of a problem emerging when Prince George was due to be born, the Mirror reports.
The then Queen stepped in and said that George would get a title, and decided to extend the change to all of Princess Kate and Prince William’s children – so Charlotte and Louis also got them at birth.
However, of course, if she didn’t make the change, George still would have eventually become a prince when his grandfather King Charles took the throne back in September.
On Saturday, Louis along with George and Charlotte are believed to be appearing at Trooping the Colour once more – the first of the grandfather King Charles’ reign.
The annual event has marked the official birthday of the Sovereign for more than 260 years.
Charles will take the salute as Colonel in Chief of the seven regiments of the Household Division at the Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade on Saturday.
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It will be the first time the reigning monarch has ridden at Trooping the Colour since 1986 when Queen Elizabeth II last rode.
The parade will move from Buckingham Palace, down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, where the King will be greeted by a royal salute and will carry out an inspection of the military on parade.
Charles will be joined by the Queen and members of the royal family, including the royal youngsters, to view the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards Troop their Colour.
The Sovereign’s Escort will be provided by The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals.
After the parade, the King, accompanied by Camilla and other family members, will return to Buckingham Palace to appear on the balcony for the fly-past, which will conclude the day’s celebrations.
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