The Prince and Princess of Wales/Youtube
Kate Middleton’s adorable nickname for her youngest child,Prince Louis, made its way intoher most recent video messageabout her health.
As the video opens — and just before Kate begins delivering a powerful update on her cancer treatment — she can be seen walking through a wooded area with her husbandPrince Williamand kidsPrince George, 11,Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. It’s Louis who is out front ahead of the pack — and viewers listening closely can hear Kate say, “Lou Bug, you lead the way!”
Prince Louis throwing a ball as Princess Charlotte, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William and Prince George follow him in a Sept. 9, 2024 video message.The Prince and Princess of Wales/Youtube
Immediately after saying these words, Kate’s voiceover begins, where she shares that “As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” she said. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”
Prince Louis speaking to the camera in the Sept. 9, 2024 video message.The Prince and Princess of Wales/Youtube
Prince Louis on a swing in the Sept. 9, 2024 video message.The Prince and Princess of Wales/Youtube
Prince George, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Prince Louis in the Sept. 9, 2024 video.The Prince and Princess of Wales/Youtube
The Sept. 9 video wasn’t the first time Kate used the “Lou Bug” nickname while in public. On May 8, 2023, while taking part inhis first royal engagement, Louis joined his family for The Big Help Out event in Slough. The family of five joined the 3rd Upton Scout Troop for the occasion just two days after King Charles’ coronation, and at one point took part in toasting marshmallows together to make s’mores.
“Pop that in the fire, Lou Bug,” Kate could be heard saying as she told her youngest to discard a stick in the fire.
“Well done, good job Lou Bug,” Kate said to Louis, who had just turned 5 at the time.
“Louis was very enthusiastic and did a good job,” said Anne Edwards, an adult Scout helper who worked with Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to paint cinder blocks to support wooden planters at the engagement.
Prince Louis of Wales eats a marshmallows as he takes part in the Big Help Out, during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough on May 8, 2023 in London, England.Daniel Leal - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Daniel Leal - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Prince Louis of Wales helps his mother, Catherine, Princess of Wales, take part in the Big Help Out, during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough on May 8, 2023 in London, England.Daniel Leal - WPA Pool/Getty
Daniel Leal - WPA Pool/Getty
Edwards added that Princess Charlotte kept an eye on her younger brother the entire time — much like she did two days prior during the coronation ceremony.
“She was advising him, obviously! ‘Don’t do that, Louis!’ — things like that,” Edwards said. She added of the three kids, “They were very relaxed and joining in, like normal kids. That was what was really nice about it.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales pose for a group pictures with volunteers who are taking part in the Big Help Out, during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough on May 8, 2023 in London, England.Daniel Leal - WPA Pool/Getty
“Lou Bug” isn’t the only nickname that Princess Kate and Prince William, 42, are known to call their kids. In a 2019 video from Kensington Palace, the family of five attended the Chelsea Flower Show, and Prince William called out for his only daughter — but didn’t refer to her as Charlotte. Instead, he referred to her as “Mignonette,” a French word that means “small, sweet and delicate” or “cute.” As for Kate, shecalls her daughter “Lottie,”and during a 2018 visit to Leicester, it was revealed that Prince George calls his dad “Pops.”
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Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince Louis in the Sept. 9, 2024 video message.The Prince and Princess of Wales/Youtube
“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you,” Kate said, likely referring to her husband and three kids. “With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.”
Kate Middleton in a video message released on Sept. 9, 2024.Will Warr
Will Warr
She continued, “This time has, above all, reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”
source: people.com