It was in the days after Queen Elizabeth II’s death that Lady Louise showcased her inner steeliness and ability to put duty above all else. She bravely joined her mother on a number of public engagements (a source of support that would have been particularly welcome given Sophie’s close relationship to her mother-in-law). In one poignant moment, Lady Louise joined her brother and six cousins – Zara Tindall, Peter Phillips, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Prince Harry and Prince William – to hold a vigil over Her Majesty’s coffin at Westminster Hall.
There is no doubt the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh embodies the dutiful tradition of the House of Windsor. But as the ‘slimmed-down’ Firm continues to raise eyebrows among royal watchers, could Lady Louise Windsor be the saving grace of her whole family?
So suggests royal expert Christopher Wilson, who described Lady Louise Windsor as a ‘dark-horse contender’ for the new face of the monarchy. The late Queen’s granddaughter, says Wilson, ‘charms all who meet her and could be a decorative and useful asset to the royal team.’ But, he cautions, Sophie’s ‘vastly protective’ maternal instincts might mean that Lady Louise stays ‘out of the spotlight’ for the time being.
Although raised largely out of the spotlight, Lady Louise Windsor joined her family at key royal engagements, including the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018 (pictured)
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For now, at least, the young royal – 16th in line to the throne – is focusing on her studies. In her third year of studying English Literature at the University of St Andrews, she is a keen thespian and member of the Army Cadets. Like her fellow alumni, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Lady Louise appears to have found love in Scotland, with rumoured boyfriend Felix da Silva Clamp often accompanying the Duchess of Edinburgh to watch Lady Louise competing in her carriage driving competitions.
Lady Louise Windsor has kept a low-profile over the last year but royal watchers will be eagerly waiting for the return of this immensely popular young royal who, on her 22nd birthday, has plenty to celebrate indeed.