This photo caption in the Times

[examworries2026]

Front page a few days ago for Prince Louis’ birthday.

Does anyone else think “to mark him turning eight” doesn’t sound right?

Surely it should be “to mark his eight birthday” or “to mark his turning eight”?

This is pretty pedantic even for me but wanted to know what others think.

So many poorly written articles- I despair.

Yes, I think your second suggestion, which would be the possessive plus the gerund, would be correct but this usage is very much dying out.

I would have said “to mark his turning eight”, but I am old.

Thank you.

Of course my first suggestion above should have said “eighth” not “eight” 🤦🏻‍♀️ was typing quickly waiting to collect DD from her sport.

That looks right to me. Don’t know how old you are but I am in my 40s!

I agree!

It's only in recent years I've been aware of people 'turning' an age. Maybe I've been deaf ?

It sounds ridiculous anyway. The actual meaning behind it. Like why would anyone ever need to 'mark' somebody turning 8?! However they phrase it. He's just a child who happens to be related to the RF. 'Mark him turning 8'. Lol. Should there be a national parade and a new bank holiday in commemoration of this monumental milestone of reaching 8 years old?!

No.... But he is of national interest, and will be important in the future when William and subsequently, George, is king.

The public need to "know" him and warm to him as well as G and C.

And this stops the paparazzi etc sneaky photos etc.

Nobody really knows what Archie and Lilibet look like,and do not and will not give a shiny about them (or Harry) when William is king. And Harry's family will have no role, so the RF needs to "promote" the three heirs.

I would have said "to mark his eighth birthday". Apart from the "him" bit, the word turning is unncessary and clunky.

Yeah I know but to me it's cheesy and daft.

I think this is correct. I agree with a PP that “turning eight” is modern phrasing and “him turning eight” is just awful.

Might have to channel my 80 y old dad and write to the Times…

I'm 70 if that counts, can I have the job please!

Does anyone else think “to mark him turning eight” doesn’t sound right?
Sounds correct to me. I don't use the expression but I know people who do.

Surely it should be “to mark his eighth birthday”
“to mark his turning eight”? I think him is correct not his.

Yes, ‘his’ not ‘him’. I don’t know all the technical terms, but turning eight is something you do. What is being marked is him having done it. Hence the gerund. The focus is on the person having achieved it, not the birthday itself, so ‘mark his eighth birthday’ would divert the emphasis.

I think it would be a bit much to have a new bank holiday to celebrate Louis' birthday. Has someone suggested it? I think the friends and relations of any eight-year-old would, like, want to mark the birthday in some way, though.

If it were James's birthday I would be happy to write James's so why did I not want to write Louis's birthday? Can any pedants help on that one?

I think it's because Louis's can kind of scan as Louise. So it sounds like a different/female name. James's doesn't have that feeling?

@BillieWiper , Louis' birthday is ok but the s is silent so maybe Louis's would be more logical.
James' birthday and James's birthday are both correct.

That's what I would have said. You don't have a party for your own child 'to mark their turning eight'. It's for their birthday.

It's almost inevitable that someone commenting on a thread about pedantry will cock up