The reason Prince Louis nearly had a different title before the Queen stepped in

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Kate Middleton and Prince William’s third child was born three years ago on 23 April, and they named him Louis Arthur Charles.

His first name is shared by both his father and his brother George, who have it as their middle names.

It was chosen in honour of Prince Charles mentor Lord Louis Mountbatten, who was killed in the IRA bombing in 1979.

Meanwhile one of the toddler’s middle names, Charles, is of course a nod to his grandfather, the Prince of Wales.

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But what is the youngest chid of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s title?

Well, he is officially known as His Royal Highness Prince Louis of Cambridge, but this was only because his great-grandmother AKA The Queen stepped in.

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According to The Express she intervened in order to rewrite a rule that was made by King George V.

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Over a century ago, in 1917, the monarch set out guidance on who could be afforded titles, and who was too far down the line of succession to qualify for one.

It was his decision that all of the sovereign's children would automatically be called Prince or Princess, and this would also apply to grandchildren.

However, the list did not include great-grandchildren.

This caused a bit of an issue when Prince William’s first son Prince George was born because, despite being the future king, he was not eligible for a title under the rules.

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Therefore, to rectify this, the Queen stepped in and made it possible for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to have titles.

If this change had not been made Louis would most likely have been Master Louis Cambridge or Master Louis Windsor instead.

In honour of her great-grandson's third birthday the Queen shared this adorable photo of the little prince on her official Instagram account, alongside a message of celebration.

The caption read: "Wishing Prince Louis a very happy third birthday today,” alongside a bicycle emoji.

“Taken earlier this week by The Duchess before he left for his first day of nursery, The Duke and Duchess are pleased to share a new image of Prince Louis. [balloon emoji],” the caption continued.

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