In a world where royal traditions often come across as formal and distant, it’s the small, spontaneous moments that truly captivate the public. During this year’s Trooping the Colour celebration, one such moment stood out—thanks to seven-year-old Prince Louis, the youngest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

While his cheeky grin and lively energy always draw attention, it was Louis’s touching interaction with his grandfather, King Charles, that melted hearts across the nation. As the Royal Family gathered on the Buckingham Palace balcony to observe the grand military flypast, cameras captured an endearing scene: young Louis, eyes wide with wonder, mirrored King Charles’s wave to the cheering crowd below.

The image of grandfather and grandson waving in perfect harmony was more than just adorable—it was a moving reflection of a deep familial bond rooted in love and legacy. According to lip reader Juliet Sullivan, King Charles leaned in during the flypast and lovingly told his grandson, “Louis, look—the fighter jets,” ensuring he didn’t miss a moment of the excitement.

In a sea of ceremonial formality, that simple act of attentiveness spoke volumes about their relationship. Though King Charles is grandfather to five, royal watchers have long noticed his particularly close bond with Prince Louis. From warm glances exchanged at public events to touching private moments captured on camera, their connection is genuine and affectionate.

Back in April 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Clarence House shared a now-iconic photo of Charles tightly hugging Louis on his second birthday—a rare glimpse into the softer side of the future king.

But their connection goes beyond hugs and public gestures. The duo shares a mutual love of the arts. King Charles, a passionate watercolorist for over 50 years, often speaks of how painting brings him peace. Now, it seems Prince Louis may be following in his creative footsteps. Earlier this year, Princess Catherine released artwork by her children to promote creativity in early childhood. While Prince George showed technical skill and Princess Charlotte added charm, it was Louis’s red crayon portrait of his mother—complete with a tiny beauty mark—that truly stood out. The detail and instinct behind his drawing hinted at a budding artistic spirit not unlike his grandfather’s.

Their connection even carries symbolic weight in their names. King Charles, born Charles Philip Arthur George in 1948, passed down part of his own name to his grandson, born 70 years later as Louis Arthur Charles. The name Louis also honors Charles’s great-uncle, Lord Louis Mountbatten, a major figure in the king’s life who was tragically killed in 1979. These thoughtful links reveal Prince Louis not only as a cherished grandchild but also as a living tribute to the king’s personal history.

King Charles has embraced grandfatherhood with deep affection. After Prince George was born in 2013, he called the moment “unique in anyone’s life.” Over the years, his warmth as a grandfather has become clear. Queen Camilla once shared that Charles “gets down on his knees and crawls about with them for hours,” entertaining the grandchildren with funny voices—including dramatic readings of Harry Potter. Prince William has praised his father as a “brilliant grandfather,” though he admitted he wishes his children could see more of him: “When he’s there, he’s brilliant,” William said in a candid interview. “But we need him there as much as possible.”

One of the most touching demonstrations of their bond came during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. As a fidgety four-year-old Louis struggled to sit still during the pageant, he turned to the one person who could bring him comfort: Grandpa. Caught on camera, Prince William asked King Charles, “Grandpa, can Louis sit on your knee?” The king instantly agreed. Louis climbed onto his lap, and Charles gently rocked him side to side—a rare, unscripted royal moment that quickly went viral and touched hearts around the world.

Social media lit up in response. One user wrote, “Prince Charles and Prince Louis have the best bond.” Another added, “Lovely to see Prince Charles in Grandpa mode with Prince Louis today.”

Amid the grandeur of royal life, it’s easy to forget the very human relationships that thrive behind palace walls. The loving bond between King Charles and Prince Louis is a reminder that affection, legacy, and laughter are alive and well in the House of Windsor. Whether through a synchronized wave on the balcony, a shared passion for painting, or a comforting lap during a long ceremony, their relationship offers a heartfelt glimpse into the monarchy’s future—and reminds us all of the simple joy in being family.