Prince Souphanouvong (July 13, 1909  January 9, 1995) was, along with his half-brother Prince Souvanna Phouma and Prince Boun Oum of Champasak, one of the 'Three Princes' who represented respectively the communist (pro-Vietnam), neutralist, and royalist political factions in Laos. He was the figurehead President of Laos from December 1975 to August 1991. Nicknamed 'The Red Prince', he became the figurehead leader of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, and upon its successful seizure of power in 1975, he became the first President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (and President of the Supreme People's Assembly), a position which he held until his retirement in 1986.