Prince Louis Yawns At King Charles’ Coronation & Leaves In The Middle Of Ceremony

Five-year-old Prince Louis wasn't in attendance for the entirety of King Charles' coronation, but that decision was made long before the ceremony started.

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May 6, 2023 8:32AM EDT
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King Charles III is crowned with St Edward's Crown by The Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Reverend Justin Welby during his coronation ceremony in Westminster AbbeyThe Coronation of King Charles III, London, UK - 06 May 2023
EDITORIAL USE ONLY. These photographs shall not be used after 0001hrs January 1, 2024, without prior, written permission from Royal Communications. After that date further licensing terms will be available. The portrait should be used only in the context of Their Majesties' Coronation. The photograph is provided to you strictly on condition that you will make no charge for the supply, release or publication of it and that these conditions and restrictions will apply (and that you will pass these on) to any organisation to whom you supply it. There shall be no commercial use whatsoever of the photograph (including by way of example only) any use in merchandising, advertising or any other non-news editorial use. The photograph must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated or modified in any manner or form. King Charles III is pictured in full regalia in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, London. The King is wearing the Robe of Estate, the Imperial State Crown and is holding the Sovereign's Orb and Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross. He is seated on one of a pair of 1902 throne chairs that were made for the future King George V and Queen Mary for use at the Coronation of King Edward VII. These throne chairs were also used in the background of the 1937 Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, and by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Hall to receive addresses from the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament last year. Picture date: Monday May 8, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story ROYAL Coronation. Photo credit should read: Hugo Burnand/Royal Household 2023/PA Wire King Charles III coronation, Buckingham Palace, London, UK - 08 May 2023
EDITORIAL USE ONLY. These photographs shall not be used after 0001hrs January 1, 2024, without prior, written permission from Royal Communications. After that date further licensing terms will be available. The portrait should be used only in the context of Their Majesties' Coronation. The photograph is provided to you strictly on condition that you will make no charge for the supply, release or publication of it and that these conditions and restrictions will apply (and that you will pass these on) to any organisation to whom you supply it. There shall be no commercial use whatsoever of the photograph (including by way of example only) any use in merchandising, advertising or any other non-news editorial use. The photograph must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated or modified in any manner or form. King Charles III and Queen Camilla are pictured with members of the working royal family: (left to right) the Duke of Kent, the Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Gloucester, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Anne, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, the Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy, Prince Edward. Picture date: Monday May 8, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story ROYAL Coronation. Photo credit should read: Hugo Burnand/Royal Household 2023/PA Wire King Charles III coronation, Buckingham Palace, London, UK - 08 May 2023
Image Credit: Pool/Shutterstock

Prince Louis, 5, had to be escorted out of his grandfather, King Charles‘, coronation on May 6 before the ceremony concluded. While Louis walked into the event alongside his big sister, Princess Charlotte, 8, he was noticeably absent later on. At one point, cameras panned to Charlotte, who was obediently singing in her seat, and viewers noticed that Louis was no longer by her side. Before his exit, he was also seen yawning while in his seat. He then returned toward the conclusion of the coronation to sing along to “God Save The King” while King Charles and Queen Camilla exited Westminster Abbey.

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Prince Louis yawning at the coronation. (Pool/Shutterstock)

The decision to have Louis not stay for the entirety of the coronation was seemingly made before the big day. Omid Scobie, a royal reporter and expert, explained to Entertainment Tonight why the family was likely going to opt to have Louis leave the ceremony before it ended. “He was restless [at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June] and I think there are plans in place for Louis on the day of,” Omid shared. “It’s a two hour ceremony, so unlike his older brother, Prince George, who plays a central role, Louis may be there for the arrivals but then may dip out for a little while and reappear toward the end.” His prediction turned out to be correct.

Louis and Charlotte’s oldest brother, George, 10, served as a page for King Charles during the coronation. He helped hold up his grandfather’s robe as the King proceeded in and out of Westminster Abbey. George is now second in line to the throne behind his father, Prince William.

At the Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, Louis appeared quite restless, and was seen making funny faces while seated next to mom, Kate Middleton. She appeared to scold him amidst his antics. In September 2022, Louis was not in attendance at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, although George and Charlotte were both at the service.

The Coronation Service of Their Majesties The King Charles III and The Queen Consort was attended by a congregation of more than 2,200 guests, including Members of the Royal Family, international representatives from over 200 countries, and approximately 100 Heads of State. The hand painted invitation, which was shared via the Royal’s Instagram, was sent to all guests. Notably absent among the guests were US President Joe Biden, though his wife, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, attended, and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, who stayed in America with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

In the official announcement for the King’s coronation made back in October 2022, Buckingham Palace promised that the coronation would “reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.” The Archbishop of Canterbury performed the official crowning of Charles with St Edward’s Crown and the crowning of Camila with Queen Mary’s Crown at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6.