Next week Prince Louis will celebrate his fourth birthday with his elder siblings, George, eight, and Charlotte, six.
As a third-born, and proud father of three, I am here. BBCNick Robinson, a presenter sends a letter in which he wishes birthday to fifth-in-line to the throne.
Louis
We wish you a happy birthday. Although I regret that I didn’t get you any presents, I know you are the most important person in your family. It is the best gift you can give and will keep on giving for a lifetime.
You are – and you always will be – the baby. Even though I am almost 60 years old, this Easter gathering with my family reminded me that I was still the child.
My big sister and brother always have my back, so I wait to hear theirs before I speak. As I am not well-known for my verbal hesitation, this will likely surprise them. One of my nieces told me once that I’m paid to “burble for living”.
On his third birthday, Prince Louis is shown in this picture. Next weekend, Nick Robinson (BBC presenter) has opened a letter to wish fifth-in line to the throne a happy Birthday
Little ones learn to be attentive, look and understand as their older siblings make their way through childhood.
Early years can lead to family chaos. It could be due to what you eat and what you don’t eat. (I never can remember – is it ‘toilet’ or ‘lavatory’?)
While we don’t always behave better, the youngest of us do know how to stay safe and manage our emotions. We are blessed to have our personal, trusted guides for all the difficulties that life brings.
Mark, my big brother taught me how I should react when attacked by a gang.
Debbie, my big sis, gave me many tips to maintain coolness when I was growing up. Her stopping me at my door and insisting that you ‘undo all your top buttons!
If I get into real trouble – like when I got my cancer diagnosis a few years ago – I know I can turn to them. Not only do we get all the benefits, but our little siblings also have freedoms they could not imagine.
Nick Robinson (pictured), a BBC journalist, gives some tips to Prince Harry on becoming the youngest child in three.
When you turn a teenager your parents will feel too tired to think of imposing the same rules George and Charlotte had to follow.
Even though my eldest daughter is still upset that Teletubbies was permitted to be viewed by her younger brother, she said that it wasn’t a program in which the children didn’t speak properly.
It’s possible that it is not exhaustion, but rather the desire to make life easier for their children. This is the result of years of struggle in raising children properly. Recognizing that sometimes fights don’t make sense.
All those who are young are indeed apprentices in life, who learn from their elders and sister.
What must be really galling for them is that not only do we have an easier start in life thanks to them, but that we will always be – whatever we say, whatever we do and how old we are – the little one.
Enjoy a wonderful Saturday birthday!