We may think of members of the Royal Family relaxing at palaces and being chauffeured around in golden carriages and – while that may the case, at least on occasion – there are some who are making efforts to live as ‘normal’ a life as possible. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward (Queen Elizabeth II’s youngest son), share two children together; Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex. Now 22, Lady Louise is a student at the University of St Andrews and it was recently revealed that, like many students, she’s taken on a part-time job.
The Royal Family are well-known for their love of horses and, in the case of Princess Anne and Zara Tindall, have even competed at the Olympics in equine sports. It is fitting, therefore, that when Lady Louise was looking for a part-time role, she chose one working at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, which took place last week (14 to 17 May).
Mark Cuthbert
Mark Cuthbert
Lady Louise helped organise the event and worked as an official, according to Town & Country. She also took part in a carriage driving parade on Sunday (17 May), alongside her mum, The Duchess of Edinburgh. The Director of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Nick Brooks-Ward, told Vanity Fair that Lady Louise was ‘one of the chief organisers, essentially operating a first concierge service,’ and that she had taken on, ‘a proper paid job’ with ‘no special treatment because of who she is.’ He described Lady Louise as a ‘a great worker and a real asset to the team with no airs or graces.’
Max Mumby/Indigo
Max Mumby/Indigo
In photos from the event, the young royal could be seen assisting with the running of the show, while wearing a high-vis vest and a stopwatch over a uniform gilet. Both of Lady Louise’s proud parents were present at their daughter’s workplace over the weekend, as they are involved in the event as president (Prince Edward) and vice president (Sophie).
Max Mumby/Indigo
While equestrian interests run deep in many members of the Royal Family, Lady Louise takes after her late grandfather, Prince Philip, when it comes to her choice of carriage driving, as he was a big fan.
Mark Cuthbert
Prince Philip watching Lady Louise compete in the Private Driving Class during the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2019.
The late royal even used to come to watch Lady Louise competing in the sport, and she appears to have inherited his talent for it. At the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022, Lady Louise drove Prince Philip’s carriage in his honour.
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