There was cause for massive celebrations this week as Lady Louise Windsor graduated from the University of St Andrews with a degree in English.

Lady Louise, who was announced as Louise Mountbatten-Windsor as she walked across the stage to collect her degree per HELLO, is not the first royal to graduate from the institution based in Fife, Scotland - both Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales attended the university (and, indeed, it’s where their love story began).

Posing with their newly graduated daughter in photos shared by the palace, Duchess Sophie - showcasing her new short bob - and Prince Edward beamed with pride. But it’s the subtle touch of Prince Edward choosing to wear the same tie that he wore when taking Louise home from the hospital as a baby that really tugged at our heartstrings.

It would appear that, like his sister Princess Anne who has made quite a trend of re-wearing pieces from decades ago, Prince Edward also holds on to his clothes for plenty of sustainable re-wear potential. The fact that he chose to wear the same green patterned tie is just such a quietly thoughtful gesture.

In the graduation photo, it also appears that mother and daughter did some subtle co-ordination. Sophie’s blue patterned dress and navy jacket matches with her daughter’s blue drop earrings.

Lady Louise started at university in September 2022, and her time there has been kept private, as it was for Prince William. Now it’s being reported by several outlets that the young royal will take a gap year - as many new graduates do.

If graduating wasn’t enough of a milestone for Lady Louise, this week she’ll also collect another accolade - and this one has sweet connections to her grandfather, Prince Philip who she shared a close relationship with, especially bonding over their love of carriage driving.

Lady Louise is set to accept her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award from her father, the current Duke of Edinburgh, during a Gold Award bash at the Palace of the Holyroodhouse, King Charles' official royal residence in Scotland, during Royal Week.

Prince Philp founded the Duke of Edinburgh Awards in 1956, initially to encourage personal development for young men before entering National Service. With societal changes, this soon expanded and included young women.

The Gold Award is the highest achievement of the award, and includes the participant completing five key sections, Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition and Residential (Gold only). Both Prince Edward and Princess Catherine have previously earned the Gold Award.

After Louise’s gap year, it’s not known if she’ll join her parents as a working royal. Louise and her brother, James, Earl of Wessex, are currently not working members and haven’t taken any HRH titles that are available to them.

Discussing the matter with The Times in 2020, Duchess Sophie said, “We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living. Hence, we made the decision not to use HRH titles. They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but I think it’s highly unlikely.”

We haven't seen much of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's daughter Louise in recent years, but the 22-year-old wasn't about to miss out on attending the Royal Windsor Horse Show. She's competed in the carriage driving events in the past and will do so again this year, though Lady Louise Windsor has also got a new behind the scenes role.

"Lady Louise is one of the chief organisers, essentially operating a first concierge service" Nick Brooks-Ward, Director of the RWHS, told Vanity Fair. "She's a great worker and a real asset to the team with no airs or graces. It's a proper paid job and there's no special treatment because of who she is."

He went on to share how "wonderful" it is that Lady Louise Windsor has "continued this close connection and taken such an interest" in the show. Dubbing her a "great friend" to RWHS, Brooks-Ward also thanked King Charles for "letting us use his back garden".

The Royal Windsor Horse Show is held in Home Park at Windsor Castle and King Charles is Patron of the show, so will likely attend later in the week. I suspect he might want to watch his niece in action when she competes in the British Driving Society meet on the final day.

Louise was first introduced to carriage driving by the late Prince Philip, who is understood to have left her his Fell Ponies, Balmoral Nevis and Notlaw Storm. The pair were incredibly close and she previously detailed how her grandfather was "so involved" in her driving.

She said on Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers that his interest was "lovely although slightly scary" since he'd "pretty much" invented the sport.

"It's incredible to have learned first hand from him. After a competition, he would always ask how it went. His eyes would light up because he just gets so excited when he talks about it," Louise added. "When we would go carriage driving, he would take me on a different route every day, I do not know how he managed to do that, and tell me all sorts of anecdotes about anything and everything."

Her parents are also hugely supportive of her driving and the description of Lady Louise Windsor approaching her new job with "no airs and graces" will surely fill them with pride. Duchess Sophie said back in 2020 that she and Edward were raising both their children with the understanding that they'll have to work for a living.

Louise is currently studying St Andrews University, and is seemingly on some sort of study break right now to be back in Berkshire. Whilst she was entitled to be a Princess as the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth via a son, she didn't choose to use this title when she turned 18.

Instead the 22-year-old is taking a low-key approach to life as a royal and it's no wonder she would want or expect "special treatment" at the RWHS.

Quietly working away is much more *her* and the show is the first time she's been seen in public for many months. Lady Louise didn't join the Royal Family for the Easter service in April and with her studies ongoing, we don't yet know if she'll be at Trooping the Colour in June either.

Prince William has made it clear that 'change is on my agenda' when he becomes King. But he has a rather sizeable problem - he is running out of royals to do the legwork.

Once, there was a raft of working royals to carry out the cake-cutting, tree-planting and charity visits that are the bedrock of the family’s work.

They, and their photogenic families, filled up the Buckingham Palace balcony, dutifully turned out for Trooping the Colour, and clocked up a huge number of engagements in the UK and abroad.

In 2011, there were 12 major royals who covered 3,874 duties, while in 2024 that figure had dropped to 2,168 (partly due to the cancer diagnoses of the King and Princess of Wales).

Last year, royal engagements rose to 2,459 according to the Court Circular, which lists the work of the Royal Family.

But age is an issue. Of today’s current working royals, only four are under 75 (Prince William, Princess Catherine, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh). Princess Anne is 76 this year, while the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are 81 and 79 respectively. The Duke of Kent, 90, and Princess Alexandra, 89, have practically (and quite rightly) retired due to old age and ill health.

Scandal - in the form of the man formerly known as Prince Andrew and his friendship with the convicted paedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein - has rocked the royals.

His disgrace also means that, for the moment, his daughters, Princess Beatrice, 37, and Princess Eugenie, 35, have stepped back. They are not working royals and have their own jobs (Beatrice runs her own consulting company, while Eugenie is a director at Hauser & Wirth art gallery), but have, until recently, helped out at family engagements.

So could this mean that Prince William will look to the youngest of the late Queen’s grandchildren to support him?

Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and her younger brother James, the Earl of Wessex, are the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s children. Following in the footsteps of their grandparents, both have enjoyed military training in the army cadets.

They embody the dutiful tradition of the House of Windsor, turning out for the royal Christmas at Sandringham, Easter at Windsor and Trooping the Colour with good cheer.

Yet growing up, their parents have shielded them from the harsh glare of a royal childhood in the limelight. Their public appearances have been few and far between – a family trip to Bristol Zoo (of which Prince Edward is patron) in 2019, a Southsea beach clean in 2020 to promote marine conservation, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

As Lady Louise finishes university this summer, could the 22-year-old be the family’s new secret weapon and saving grace? So suggests royal expert Christopher Wilson, who described her 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 useful asset to the royal team.' But, he cautions, Sophie’s 'vastly protective' maternal instincts might mean Lady Louise stays 'out of the spotlight' for the time being.

For now, at least, the young royal - 17th in line to the throne - is focusing on her studies. After A levels at St Mary’s School Ascot, she’s now in her fourth year at the University of St Andrews studying English literature. Friends there speak of a 'very popular, sporty and down-to-earth' young woman who loves acting.

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 carriage-driving competitions.

James, 18, is currently in his last year at boys’ boarding school Radley College in Oxfordshire.

As James and Louise grew up at the family’s palatial Surrey home, Bagshot Park, they spent a lot of time with their grandparents at nearby Windsor Castle. It meant they enjoyed a close relationship with the late Queen and Prince Philip. And much to his delight, Lady Louise took up her grandfather’s sporting passion of carriage driving.

Following his death in 2021, he left her his own carriage and driving ponies, and in the TV documentary Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers, she paid a moving tribute to her beloved 'Grandpa'.

She recalled the close bond the two of them shared, forged over many years of a mutual love of carriage driving: 'After a competition, he would always ask how it went. His eyes would light up because he just gets so excited when he talks about it.'

As the grandchildren of the monarch, James and Louise were entitled to style themselves Prince/Princess and use their His/Her Royal Highness (HRH) titles. But perhaps with an eye on Princess Anne’s decision not to give titles to her two children, Peter and Zara Phillips, Sophie and Edward also chose not to do so.

It has enabled both Louise and James to lead very private lives. Louise even had holiday jobs at her local garden centre - on the minimum wage, where she operated the tills - so she could save up to buy her first car.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, as senior working royals, have proved a safe pair of hands - and upon whom Prince William has indicated that he will rely once he is King.

Their down-to-earth and dutiful children could also reinvigorate the brand, while Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, are given time to grow up.

Whether Louise and James wish to serve as first rank royals is a different matter - although Louise has indicated she wants to serve in the armed forces. The King and Prince William have talked about the virtues of a slimmed-down royal family. But new blood is always vital if the monarchy is to stay reinvigorated and relevant.

Right now there are just eleven working members of the Royal Family and 21-year-old Lady Louise Windsor isn’t one of them - at least, not yet…The King’s niece is in her final year studying at the University of St Andrews and royal expert Christopher Wilson believes she’s a "dark horse contender" to be a new face of the monarchy in future.

Describing Louise as someone who "charms all who meet her", Christopher recently suggested that she could be both a "decorative and useful asset to the royal team". He’s not the only one to consider her a secret weapon either, as her first foray into royal documentaries in 2021 garnered similar comments from fans.

However, a quick transition from student to working royal might not be on the cards. The expert believes that Duchess Sophie’s "vastly protective" of her children and this could mean that Louise stays "out of the spotlight" for the time being.

She’s also known to be an incredibly private person, with Sophie previously explaining that her daughter "doesn’t put anything out about herself" and "purely [by] choice" doesn’t really get involved with social media. Full-time royal life doesn’t necessarily sound like a natural fit for Lady Louise, though she could always be an "asset" to her family without committing herself to becoming a working member.

Her cousins Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice have patronages they support and have stepped in to make appearances at different events on behalf of the monarchy. Now, with their father Andrew continuing to make headlines and being stripped of his Princely title, the murmurings that they could play an even greater role have stopped.

Looking ahead to Prince William’s future reign, having a cousin as popular and charming as Lady Louise who could support him when needed would be a huge help.

The Prince and Princess of Wales and Louise’s parents are the only working royals under the age of 70. King Charles's vision for a "slimmed-down monarchy" could potentially result in there not being enough royals to fulfil the vast number of responsibilities unless more of the younger generation, like Lady Louise, step in.

She’s rumoured to be taking a royal path already, with reports claiming she’s interested in a military career after joining the University Officer Training Corps.

"Lady Louise seems to have been keen on the military from an early stage in her undergraduate studies and the pictures show that she has thrown herself into the training exercises, including liberally camouflaging her face and proudly wearing combat gear," former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond declared in January. "She is said to have loved every minute of her time as an officer cadet and is keen to turn it into a full-time career."

Serving in the Armed Forces and making occasional public appearances as part of Prince William’s "royal team" sounds like it could potentially work for Lady Louise as a middle ground. She’s thought to be close to her older cousin too, serving as a bridesmaid at his wedding to Kate and helping to look after their children at Balmoral.

Having trusted family members he can call on will be invaluable to Prince William as he forges his own path as King in the future.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh recently jetted abroad to represent the monarchy in Japan over a four-day visit. During their time there, Duchess Sophie undertook a solo outing to the Ukraine Mental Health Exchange Center where she shared a moving moment with 16-year-old refugee and ended up revealing a new detail about her own daughter, Lady Louise Windsor.

While chatting to the student, Daniel Zagorodniy, Sophie showcased her maternal instincts, worrying about how the teenager was coping living and studying away from his parents. As perThe Telegraph, she reportedly asked the teen, "Who cooks for you? Who does the household chores?"

She is said to have looked "visibly moved" after he revealed he does it all himself and apparently responded, "Well I’m sure your mother is happy to know that you’re safe. I don’t underestimate how hard it is, so well done."

As the conversation continued, Daniel explained that he wanted to study international relations when he goes to college in the future. According to the publication, the Duchess's face "lit up" upon hearing this, leading to her bringing up Lady Louise.

Duchess Sophie reportedly revealed to the teenager that her soon-to-be 22-year-old daughter had been studying the subject.

Lady Louise has largely kept out of the public eye as she studies for her English Literature degree at the University of St Andrews in Scotland - the same college where Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales first met.

Details of Louise's education and future career plans aren’t well known, but it was revealed that Sophie and Edward’s eldest child had joined the St Andrews University Officers' Training Corps (UOTC). This could possibly hint at her following in the family tradition of pursuing a career within the Armed Forces.

If she is doing so, then she would be following in the footsteps of her grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. She was the first female royal to serve in the Armed Forces and The Sun has claimed that the UOTC trains cadets in "basic weapons training, leadership lessons and how to navigate tough terrain under pressure".

Lady Louise was last photographed in public in August, competing in the National Carriage Driving Calendar in Essex. As for Sophie's touching chat with Daniel, this isn't the first time the Duchess has spoken out in support of Ukraine and expressed empathy for what Ukrainians are going through.

In April 2024, she became the first member of the Royal Family to visit Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Sophie met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska and, as per the BBC, gave them a private message from King Charles.

They discussed how to best provide long-lasting support for survivors of sexual violence in conflicts and about the vital role that women peacebuilders are playing in Ukraine’s recovery.

Lady Louise Windsor could reportedly step up to support Prince William one day - even if she forges a career outside the Royal Family.

Lady Louise hasn’t been glimpsed in public as much in recent years as she’s studying at university in Scotland, but it’s been suggested that one day she could step up to support her older cousin Prince William. She and her brother James, Earl of Wessex have been raised by Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie to expect to pursue a career outside of the Royal Family. However, according to former BBC Royal Commentator Jennie Bond, even if Lady Louise doesn’t become a working royal she could still be called upon to fulfil a key role.

Getting candid with OK!, Jennie explained, "Edward and Sophie are keen that Louise and James should choose their own career paths, Sophie has said that she has brought them up to expect that they will have to pay their own way and make their own careers".

She added that she was "sure" that if, in the years to come, "cousin William needs a few extra hands to the pump at any stage, Louise and James will be willing to help".

There are currently eleven working royals who carry out engagements, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, though this number will decrease in future as more of them could choose to retire. Relying upon close family members to assist where they can without asking them to commit to the pressures and responsibilities of a full-time royal role is something Prince William could potentially choose to do when he is King.

If he turns to Lady Louise for help it wouldn’t be the first time non-working royals have lent a hand to the monarch. Princess Beatrice represented King Charles when she attended the King’s Foundation Future Textiles Exhibition in November 2024 and in May last year she, Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall all supported Prince William at a Buckingham Palace garden party.

The Prince of Wales has shown that he is happy for his cousins who aren’t working royals themselves to assist him and the monarchy when they need it. Currently 21-years-old, Lady Louise might not be asked for a while, but Jennie seems confident that at some point she might be seen stepping up more in public alongside her own job.

Pictures recently emerged of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s daughter in the Army Cadets at St Andrews University where she’s studying. Royal expert Jennie believes that Louise could be tempted to join the military as a career.

"Lady Louise seems to have been keen on the military from an early stage in her undergraduate studies and the pictures show that she has thrown herself into the training exercises, including liberally camouflaging her face and proudly wearing combat gear," she said. "She is said to have loved every minute of her time as an officer cadet and is keen to turn it into a full-time career."

Whatever job Lady Louise Windsor ends up taking on, she will likely continue to keep a relatively low profile for a member of the Royal Family. She prefers living out of the spotlight and her mum previously told BBC Radio 5 Live in 2021 about how Louise doesn’t really enjoy social media.

"We are protective, obviously. She doesn’t really get involved with social media very much at all and that is purely her choice. I wouldn’t deny her going onto it, but she’s not really that interested in it," Sophie said. "There’s a few platforms that she talks to her friends on but that’s basically it, she doesn’t put anything out about herself at all. She’s very private."

Lady Louise Windsor and her brother James, Earl of Wessex’s "really important" moment was high-profile and had Duchess Sophie "holding her breath".

The Duchess of Edinburgh doesn’t often talk about her children at engagements so whenever she makes an exception it is always a special moment that gives new insight. Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex aren’t expected to become working royals like their parents and although they attend family events like Christmas and the Easter Sunday service, they generally live their lives outside of the spotlight. However, Lady Louise and James’s "really important" royal moment was watched by so many people - including their mum.

Speaking during her final royal engagement before turning 60, Duchess Sophie has reflected upon what it was like for her when her children stood in vigil by the coffin of their beloved "Granny" Queen Elizabeth in 2022, two days before her funeral. They joined all their cousins for this poignant moment and the Duchess described it as being "really important" for them.

As per The Telegraph, the Duchess of Edinburgh was invited to visit L’Arche by Richard Keagan-Bull, a campaigner and author of an autobiography called Don’t Put Us Away: Memories of a Man With Learning Disabilities. L’Arche builds communities for people with and without learning disabilities and Richard asked Duchess Sophie about this royal vigil before she left.

Describing the moment she saw Lady Louise and James standing there as "incredibly moving", she expressed how she was "just so proud of them" and of "all of the cousins". At the time Queen Elizabeth’s grandchildren held their vigil Lady Louise was 18 and James just 14 - and this had been something that was on Duchess Sophie’s mind beforehand.

"I suppose there was a part of me initially that thought, ‘Would it be appropriate for James, perhaps, to do it?’ because he was younger than the others, but he was really keen to do it." she continued. "And I think it was really important for him to do it, and obviously for Louise as well."

Duchess Sophie declared that "each and every one of them" did it "so well", before revealing she’d held her breath a little, willing them to be happy with how they’d honoured Queen Elizabeth.

She said, "I was slightly holding my breath, wanting them to feel that they’d done it well more than anything else. I wasn’t worried about anything happening; it was more that I wanted them to feel that they’d done their bit for their grandmother. It was incredibly moving, and lovely to see her surrounded by them."

Whilst they both prefer a high level of privacy, it was clear how much it meant to them both to stand alongside Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall at this vigil. Lady Louise and James are understood to have been very close to both Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Duchess Sophie’s daughter actually made her TV debut in order to share her personal memories of her grandfather in the BBC’s 2021 Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers documentary.

"There was certainly an element of making my grandfather proud and honouring him by taking part in the award that has been so much of his life's work," she said, talking about taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. "I definitely hope I have made him proud."

Duchess Sophie’s daughter Lady Louise Windsor could possibly be set to join her family celebration in honour of a special milestone.

After a relaxing festive break at Sandringham House in Norfolk, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie are set for another big year of engagements, with a joint trip to Nepal coming up in February. However, alongside their work commitments the start of 2025 will also be a very big one for the Edinburgh family personally too. On Monday 20th January Duchess Sophie will mark her 60th birthday and we can expect the Royal Family to honour her big milestone publicly too.

Last year when Prince Edward turned 60, Sophie delivered a personal speech about her husband at the Community Sport and Recreation Awards that brought a tear to his eye. It’s possible that he could pay a similarly emotional tribute to her this month and we would also predict that as well as an official photo, the family will celebrate in some way privately too.

Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward live at Bagshot Park in Surrey, whilst their son James, Earl of Wessex attends boarding school in Oxfordshire. Although their daughter Lady Louise Windsor is a student at St Andrew’s University in Scotland, she looks set to be able to join any 60th birthday events her family might have planned this year. Unlike 2024 when the university’s Candlemas Semester began on 15th January, the term dates for 2024/25 show that Lady Louise isn’t set to resume her studies until 27th January.

Teaching begins for the new term then, following what looks to be three inter-semester break weeks, including one the week of her mum’s birthday. This is wonderful news for both Duchess Sophie and Lady Louise as it might mean she’s still at home for any potential family celebrations, no matter how low-key, whether they hold them the weekend before or on the 20th itself.

Shop Duchess Sophie's Style Staples

Having her daughter there close to her milestone birthday will likely mean a lot to the Duchess of Edinburgh, however she chooses to mark the occasion. The last time the Edinburghs were all seen together was on Christmas Day when Lady Louise was back from University and they all walked to church in Norfolk alongside their fellow royals.

This was a heart-warming and rare sight, as Lady Louise Windsor’s studies mean she doesn't attend Trooping the Colour or the Easter Sunday service as regularly anymore. Whilst the Duchess of Edinburgh no doubt misses her daughter when she’s at university, she previously expressed her pride in Lady Louise’s work ethic and her hope she would choose this path.

"She’s working hard and will do A-levels," Duchess Sophie told The Sunday Times in 2020. "I hope she goes to university. I wouldn’t force her, but if she wants to. She’s quite clever, so I think probably [she will]".

Now Lady Louise Windsor is in her third year at university and since then life has become even busier for her parents too as they've stepped up even more to support the King and Queen. On Prince Edward’s 59th birthday he was granted the title Duke of Edinburgh and when he turned 60 last year he was appointed to the Order of the Thistle, the highest honour in Scotland.

He and Duchess Sophie continue to undertake so many important royal duties and it’s possible she will once again be at engagement on her actual birthday. Either way, it’ll be lovely to see how Prince Edward and the rest of the Royal Family might publicly honour her special milestone, even if any celebrations are understandably kept private.

Duchess Sophie and Lady Louise's latest mother/daughter style swap proved that timeless accessories are a must-have all year round.

If you're putting together your spring capsule wardrobe then you'll know just how important accessories can be to help elevate an everyday outfit. Accessories with a neutral colour palette and classic design are wardrobe staples that last for years and works with plenty of outfits. The Royal Family knows this too and the Duchess of Edinburgh appears to have reached into her daughter Lady Louise Windsor's collection for her Easter outfit. Stepping out to attend the traditional Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle on 31st March, Duchess Sophie re-wore her purple Prada coat not seen for 10 years with an ivory felt beret by Jane Taylor Millinery.

The combination couldn't have been more stunning and we couldn't help noticing that this hat looks incredibly similar to Lady Louise's timeless beret that she wore for the Easter service in 2022.

Both hats have a beautifully minimalist design with a smooth curved shape and the stalk at the top is equally pared-back and dainty. This particular hat is a far cry from many of Duchess Sophie's hats as she often favours flamboyant designs, adornments like feathers and vivid colours. 

Sophie's chic cream beret appears to be the same as one that Lady Louise has in her collection. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's daughter previously wore her beret on Christmas Day in 2021 with a flower accessory in her hair near the back of the beret. The addition of the flower transformed the classic beret into something a little more playful though the traditional design of this hat makes it incredibly versatile.

Perfect for royal occasions where a larger, brimmed hat might seem too much, it’s an accessory that enhances everything it's paired with without detracting attention from the rest of the outfit. Perhaps because of these qualities and its neutral hue, Duchess Sophie seems to have borrowed Lady Louise's hat for Easter this year - or at least was very much inspired by it. If this was a mother/daughter style swap, though, it wouldn't be the first time we’ve seen this from Duchess Sophie and Lady Louise.

In 2022 the Edinburgh family attended a day of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and Lady Louise wore a dress by Peter Pilotto that is believed to have belonged to Duchess Sophie. The Duchess was certainly seen wearing the gorgeous patterned purple dress first - back in 2015 for the Chelsea Flower Show.

On this occasion the Duchess of Edinburgh paired it with simple nude court shoe heels and a cropped navy blue jacket. This gave the look a more formal feel to it which was perfect given that this was an official royal appearance. The visit to the Commonwealth Games was a little more laid-back and Lady Louise switched things up by wearing the dress with white trainers and a tan bag with fun tassel detailing.

It looks like this royal mother and daughter duo are very happy mixing and matching their clothes and accessories and Duchess Sophie's beret looked stunning with her vibrant coat this Easter. Although the rest of her immediate family were there, Lady Louise didn’t attend the service for the second year in a row.

She's currently studying at the university of St Andrews in Scotland and they are still in term time with exams set to start on 20th April. It's possible that this is why Lady Louise wasn't at the Easter service and the next time we’re likely to see her in public might be the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May.

There’s a Royal Family reunion Lady Louise Windsor seems set to miss out on for the second year running.

As a non-working royal Lady Louise Windsor isn’t seen out and about as regularly as her parents the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh or Princess Anne. There are only a few times a year where fans are treated to a glimpse of the wider family - including Lady Louise - all together. More recently, this has no longer included Trooping the Colour as now only working royals tend to appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony but Christmas and Easter services are still attended by plenty of royals. 

Unfortunately, though, it looks as though Easter Sunday 2024 is a royal reunion Lady Louise Windsor is set to miss out on for the second year in a row. She's currently studying English Literature at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. According to their website, both the week before and the week after Easter are still term-time. This is followed by two revision weeks with exams beginning on Saturday 20th April.

Of course, it’s not clear if Lady Louise has exams herself and, if so, how many. Though as she is in her second year of studying it might well be that this is a high pressure time for her with exams to revise for. She could potentially come home for just the Easter weekend to spend quality time with Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie at Bagshot Park before going to the Easter service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

However, this would be quite a long trip to make for just a few days with exams possibly on horizon for her. Last year Lady Louise didn’t attend the Easter Sunday service with the Royal Family, though her parents and her brother James, Earl of Wessex were there. It seems possible that this could happen again for the second year running if she ends up staying in Scotland for the bank holiday weekend.

If she does then the next time fans might get to see Lady Louise Windsor in public could end up being the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May as she regularly competes in carriage driving. In the past we would also have expected to see her on the balcony at Trooping the Colour with other non-working royals. Following King Charles’s cancer diagnosis being made public in February, all eyes have been on the working members of the family, including Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie.

Some might even have wondered if Lady Louise might one day take a step up and become a working royal herself, but former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond previously expressed her belief to OK! that this is unlikely to happen.

"I’m doubtful that Lady Louise would ever become a full-time working royal, partly because I’m not sure she would want to, and also, because The King and William know only too well that the monarchy has to be increasingly accountable to the taxpayer," she claimed.

Jennie continued, "Also, Louise is only 20, she is enjoying university life and she undoubtedly casts an eye at her cousin, Zara Tindall, and sees the independence and freedom and fun she has in her life as a much loved member of the Royal Family, but not a working royal. I would bet that Louise will follow a similar course."

If this does turn out to be the case then fans are unlikely to see Lady Louise Windsor in public much more than they do now when she leaves university. Though we can still probably look forward to seeing her at Christmas and other special family gatherings that work with her schedule.

Lady Louise Windsor, the daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, is part of the younger generation of the Royal Family and has, so far, remained relatively under the radar.

At 20-years-old, Lady Louise is still studying for a degree in English Literature at St Andrew's University in Scotland, where the Prince and Princess of Wales too enjoyed university days. 

There's been much speculation about whether Lady Louise will take on official royal duties when the time is right, leaving royal experts divided. This is what we know about whether Lady Louise is set for a future as a working royal and how much security she's entitled to. 

Will Lady Louise be a working royal? 

Lady Louise is currently studying at University in Scotland, but there has been much speculation about whether she'll be taking on official royal duties as she enters the working world. Royal experts have previously spoken about how Lady Louise is following in her cousin Zara Tindall's footsteps and her independence from the Royal Family as a working royal. 

Speaking to OK!, Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond explained, "Louise is only 20, she is enjoying university life and she undoubtedly casts an eye at her cousin, Zara Tindall, and sees the independence and freedom and fun she has in her life as a much-loved member of the Royal Family, but not a working royal. I would bet that Louise will follow a similar course," Jennie said. 

However, royal commentator Richard Eden believes that Louise, as well as her younger brother, could actually become working royals in the future. He said (via GBNews), "When Prince William becomes King, I hope that he will follow the example of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, and ask his cousins, including Louise and James, to share royal duties with him."

Many of the current working royals are in their mid-seventies and eighties. The current list of working royals includes Princess Anne (73), the Duke of Kent (88), Princess Alexandra of Kent (87) and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester (age 79 and 77), as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are set to join the ranks within The Firm, but it's unclear exactly when George will reprise the role. Until then, things will be a little 'thin on the ground', according to royal expert Jennie. She told OK!, "It’s clear that for the next 15 years or so (depending on when Prince George decides to take up, full-time royal duties), the working Royals are going to become extremely thin on the ground."

However, this doesn't mean Lady Louise would ever be likely to take on an official role. Jennie continued, "I’m doubtful that Lady Louise would ever become a full-time working royal, partly because I’m not sure she would want to, and also, because The King and William know only too well that the monarchy has to be increasingly accountable to the taxpayer. 

"The most common complaint about the Royal Family is that they cost too much. Extra working royals would mean extra staff, extra administration, extra security – extra cost. And that is not the direction that either the King or William want to take."

Does Lady Louise have royal security? 

While it's not officially confirmed whether Lady Louise has royal security or not, it's unlikely considering that her father, Prince Edward, only receives royal security when working on official royal business, but not in his day-to-day life, according to reporting from The Yorkshire Post. 

As in the case of Princess Anne, Edward is only covered by security when attending royal functions and visits and doesn't require 24-hour protection like the highest -ranking members of the Royal Family. 

The Guardian has previously reported that the Royal Protection Squad (the police force charged with protecting the King) also has the duty of protecting the "immediate heirs to the throne," including Prince William and Prince George. 

Lady Louise Windsor enjoyed a special reunion with Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie during a break from university. 

Lady Louise Windsor swapped Scotland for the glamorous ski slopes of St Moritz during a break from university. The King’s niece followed in her cousin Prince William and the Princess of Wales’s footsteps and is currently attending St Andrews in Fife. Lady Louise has been rarely seen in public since moving to Scotland to study. However, according to Hello!, she has now been pictured in Switzerland after joining her parents Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie on holiday.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrived for their skiing break before their daughter but according to the St Andrews University term dates, Lady Louise had a February “vacation” until term resumed on 4th March.

It’s possible that the sporty royal only came for a few days of skiing before returning to St Andrews but even so she looked to be having a brilliant time. As seen in some pictures taken during her time skiing, Lady Louise wore some of her best snow boots and brightened up her skiing outfit with an aqua jacket and lilac scarf. 

The Edinburghs have regularly been skiing over the years as a family and so it’s perhaps no surprise that Lady Louise chose to spend some time with her parents in St Moritz again this year.

This special trip comes at what has been a challenging time for the Royal Family amid King Charles’s cancer diagnosis and as the Princess of Wales continues her recovery from surgery in January. With both King Charles and Kate currently not undertaking public-facing duties, all eyes have been on their fellow working royals, including Lady Louise Windsor’s parents.

Some have even considered the possibility of Lady Louise herself stepping up to take a more prominent role in the Royal Family. However, the BBC’s former royal correspondent Jennie Bond has expressed her belief to OK! that this won’t be something the 20-year-old will want. 

She claimed, “Louise is only 20, she is enjoying university life and she undoubtedly casts an eye at her cousin, Zara Tindall, and sees the independence and freedom and fun she has in her life as a much loved member of the Royal Family, but not a working royal. I would bet that Louise will follow a similar course."

Lady Louise Windsor is currently in her second year at St Andrews University studying English Literature. Last year, she was only seen publicly on a few occasions including King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation and for her beloved Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Alongside skiing, carriage driving is another of Lady Louise’s favourite pastimes. She was taught by the late Prince Philip and regularly competes in the Royal Windsor Horse Show. It’s likely she'll do so again this year, though fans probably won’t get too many glimpses of her otherwise. As well as being in Scotland most of the year at university, Lady Louise is also very private - something Duchess Sophie has previously remarked upon. 

"We are protective, obviously. She doesn’t really get involved with social media very much at all and that is purely her choice. I wouldn’t deny her going onto it, but she’s not really that interested in it," Sophie said to BBC Radio 5 Live in 2021. "There’s a few platforms that she talks to her friends on but that’s basically it, she doesn’t put anything out about herself at all. She’s very private."

Lady Louise Windsor is likely to follow the path set out by this member of the Royal Family as she is set to lead a life of 'freedom' away from royal duties, a royal expert says. 

Lady Louise Windsor, the daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, is set to lead a life that is rather different from the life lived in the spotlight by her parents and close relatives. A royal expert has revealed that unlike higher-ranking members of The Firm, she most likely will not be taking on official duties and will instead have a lifestyle that reflects her cousin's more down-to-earth lifestyle. 

The cousin in question is Zara Tindall, Princess Anne's only daughter who has had a life without a title and away from official royal duties. Speaking to OK!, Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond explained that Louise will be free to live a life of independence much like Zara.

"Louise is only 20, she is enjoying university life and she undoubtedly casts an eye at her cousin, Zara Tindall, and sees the independence and freedom and fun she has in her life as a much-loved member of the Royal Family, but not a working royal. I would bet that Louise will follow a similar course," Jennie said. 

The expert added that although for many years before becoming the King, Charles made it clear that he wanted to slim down the monarchy and save the taxpayers money, there will soon be very few royals who would be working on behalf of the Royal Family. 

At present, many of the working royals are in their mid-seventies and eighties, including; Princess Anne (73), the Duke of Kent (88), Princess Alexandra of Kent (87) and Duke and Duchess of Gloucester (age 79 and 77). Additionally, the younger working royals are just the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The remaining royals set to take on duties include Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who are still too young for any duties.

Jennie commented on the slimmed-down monarchy, explaining that soon the selection of people to carry out duties will be 'thin on the ground'. Jennie said, "It’s clear that for the next 15 years or so (depending on when Prince George decides to take up, full-time royal duties), the working Royals are going to become extremely thin on the ground."

Despite the fact that soon there may not be very many royals to carry out duties, the expert continued that Lady Louise is unlikely to ever become a working royal for a few key reasons.

"But I’m doubtful that Lady Louise would ever become a full-time working royal, partly because I’m not sure she would want to, and also, because The King and William know only too well that the monarchy has to be increasingly accountable to the taxpayer," she said.

"The most common complaint about the Royal Family is that they cost too much. Extra working royals would mean extra staff, extra administration, extra security – extra cost. And that is not the direction that either the King or William want to take," Jennie concluded. 

Lady Louise Windsor reportedly won't become working royal despite King Charles's monarchy looking set to remain "thin on the ground".

Even before he ascended the throne, it was reported that King Charles had plans to streamline the monarchy’s working members. There are currently 10 working royals and their roles are more important than ever following King Charles’s cancer diagnosis. He's postponed public-facing duties for now as he continues his “schedule of regular treatments”. Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales is “unlikely” to resume her public duties until after Easter as she continues to recover from abdominal surgery.

At this challenging time some people might be wondering if more of the King’s family could become working royals. One popular contender is Lady Louise Windsor, but according to royal expert Jennie Bond, the King’s niece probably won’t take on full-time royal duties despite the monarchy looking set to be "thin on the ground" for many years to come.

Getting candid with OK! the former BBC royal correspondent declared, "It’s clear that for the next 15 years or so (depending on when Prince George decides to take up full-time royal duties), the working royals are going to become extremely thin on the ground."

In Jennie’s opinion, 20-year-old Lady Louise might not want to become a working royal and, even if she did, there are lots of costs involved for the King and Prince William to consider.

"I’m doubtful that Lady Louise would ever become a full-time working royal, partly because I’m not sure she would want to, and also, because The King and William know only too well that the monarchy has to be increasingly accountable to the taxpayer," Jennie claimed.

She said that the "most common complaint" about the Royal Family is that they "cost too much" and that adding extra working royals means "extra cost". Jennie believes that’s "not the direction that either the King or William want to take".

"Also, Louise is only 20, she is enjoying university life and she undoubtedly casts an eye at her cousin, Zara Tindall, and sees the independence and freedom and fun she has in her life as a much loved member of the Royal Family, but not a working royal," the royal expert continued. "I would bet that Louise will follow a similar course."

Lady Louise, who is 16th in the royal line of succession, is currently studying English Literature at St Andrew’s University and hasn’t been glimpsed as often in recent years. She attended King Charles’s coronation, but wasn’t seen publicly at Trooping the Colour a month later.  

With her university life to enjoy, Jennie’s suggestion that Lady Louise might prefer to remain a non-working royal is all too understandable. Becoming a working royal would be a major life change for her, especially since Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie have raised her and her brother James, Earl of Wessex to be prepared for life as non-working royals.

The Duchess told The Sunday Times in 2020, "We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living."

The King’s niece is also known for being very private, whilst working royals are thrust into the spotlight as they undertake regular engagements.

Her mother told BBC Radio 5 Live's Naga Munchetty that Lady Louise "isn’t that interested" in social media and she "doesn’t put anything out about herself" online. In light of this, it seems like Lady Louise would prefer to continue having this privacy rather than taking on public-duties in King Charles’s monarchy.

Prince Archie and Lilibet’s “unifying” change could mean Lady Louise is now the only one left with a special honour.

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet haven’t been glimpsed in public or in new royal photos for quite some time now but it’s been claimed that a major change was made for them in private last year. Ahead of King Charles’s coronation, an update to the royal line of succession page on the Royal Family’s website confirmed that they had started using Prince and Princess titles which they were entitled to as the grandchildren of the reigning monarch. 

Now it’s been reported that ever since the coronation Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have allegedly also been using the surname Sussex instead of Mountbatten-Windsor, which they were given by Prince Harry and Meghan when they were born. 

Following the re-branding of Prince Harry and Meghan’s Archewell website to Sussex.com, a source claimed to The Times that the family have apparently had and used the same surname for many months at this point. 

“The reality behind the new site is very simple - it’s a hub for the work the Sussexes do and it reflects the fact the family have, since the King’s coronation, the same surname for the first time,” they alleged. “That’s a big deal for any family. It represents their unification and it’s a proud moment.”

Prince Archie and Lilibet’s “unifying” change is in-keeping with the naming of their cousins Prince George, Charlotte and Louis. They are understood to have previously used the surname Cambridge and now use Wales in line with Prince William and Kate’s being Prince and Princess of Wales. However, the alleged change also means that Lady Louise Windsor is now the only one using the Mountatten-Windsor name.

As revealed in the royal line of succession, she’s officially Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor. This double-barrelled surname is also shared by her brother James, but as Earl of Wessex a surname isn’t typically used. The incorporation of the name Mountbatten into the Royal Family’s surname was something that was apparently hugely important to the late Prince Philip.

It was the surname of Prince Philip’s grandfather and according to the BBC, Prince Philip wasn’t thrilled when it was initially decided that Queen Elizabeth’s surname Windsor would be the surname of their family members.

“I am the only man in the country not allowed to give his name to his children! I'm nothing but a bloody amoeba!” he supposedly declared.

Eventually in 1960 it was determined that Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth’s descendants who didn’t have a Prince or Princess title or HRH style could use Mountbatten-Windsor as a surname. It likely meant a lot to him that Lady Louise and her brother were given it, however all these years later it seems like she’s the only one who probably has the honour of using this name. She and Prince Philip were incredibly close and her full surname is a lovely nod to him. 

If the report is correct, then it does mean that there is lovely “unification” for the Sussex family with their surname. It’s also been suggested that the move to make Sussex.com is also a way to include both of their children, whilst Archewell was inspired by Prince Archie’s name. 

King Charles’ plan for a slimmed down monarchy is well reported on, but one royal expert has suggested the reality is dawning that this is simply not “plausible.” Citing the ages of the majority of the remaining working royals – including the King and Anne, Princess Royal – and the fact only four working royals are under the age of 70, many suspect Lady Louise Windsor could step up to fill a much-needed space on the royal roster.

Could we see the emergence of a new major player in the Royal Family in the coming years? According to one royal expert, it’s very likely.

Richard Fitzwilliams has spoken with GB News about the possibility of Lady Louise Windsor taking on a more prominent “space” within the working royals roster once she’s completed her studies at the University of St Andrews – the same spot where Prince William and Kate Middleton first met.

The royal expert explained his thinking behind the strong likelihood of Lady Louise – the eldest child of royal secret weapons Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward – taking on a stronger role.

He explained, "There are a large number of organisations and institutions which previously had a royal patron. What has been obvious and Princess Anne pointed it out a while ago, is that when King Charles came to the throne, there was all this talk about a slimmed-down monarchy."

"Firstly, the monarchy had already been slipped down with the Sussexes and Andrew no longer performing royal duties. Secondly, there are only four working royals under the age of 70. So with some of those, Princess Alexandra, the Duke of Kent and so forth, there is a time limit to what these individuals can achieve."

"When it comes to Princess Anne, she's done a tremendous amount and she undoubtedly will for the foreseeable. But the facts are simply that the Duke of Edinburgh had 992 patronages, the late Queen Elizabeth II had 600, and Charles had over 800 as the Prince of Wales."

"There isn't the possibility of taking all those up with the current set of working royals. That does leave a space for Lady Louise Windsor, possibly."

It would make sense. His Majesty is already deeply reliant on the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh – trusting Sophie with a royal responsibility nobody else had.

As Prince William is thought to narrow his attentions on more specific causes – like the Earthshot Prize – who better to take on some of the duties than the "down to earth" Lady Louise?

Lady Louise Windsor's birthday could be tinged with disappointment this year as Duchess Sophie's royal duties take her abroad.

Lady Louise Windsor is one of the few members of the Royal Family to have an autumn birthday but sadly this year she could be in for a slightly different celebration. The King’s niece is currently studying at St Andrews University as she follows in her cousin Prince William and the Princess of Wales’ footsteps. 

With term-time in full swing it’s unlikely that Lady Louise will be making the trip back to the family home, Bagshot Park, in Surrey for her actual big day. However, if there are any plans for Lady Louise’s birthday to be marked over the weekend before she’s set to do so without her mum, Duchess Sophie.

The Duchess of Edinburgh is undertaking a visit to Canada from Friday, 3rd November until the day of Lady Louise Windsor’s birthday - Wednesday, 8th November. She will be there in her capacity as Colonel-in-Chief of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment as well as Patron of Toronto General and Toronto Western hospitals, University Health Network (UHN).

Her busy schedule for her trip includes The Duchess of Edinburgh competition, attending a Service of Remembrance at St Catherine’s Cenotaph and meeting frontline healthcare workers, volunteers, researchers, Hospital supporters, staff and patients at UHN sites. The Duchess of Edinburgh will likely do everything she can to make time in between her engagements to speak to or message Lady Louise on her birthday.

But any pre-birthday weekend plans with the family will sadly have to go on without Duchess Sophie during her Canada visit. And if Prince Edward wanted to surprise Lady Louise and visit her in Scotland on her actual birthday he would also have to do this solo. It’s possible, though, that the Edinburgh family could plan to come together to celebrate Lady Louise’s birthday the weekend after to ensure the Duchess is able to be there. 

Lady Louise will turn 20 this year and given she’s now away studying for much of the time, fans haven’t been treated to as many glimpses of her recently. She was one of the late Queen Elizabeth’s grandchildren who didn’t attend the Easter Sunday church service at Windsor Castle in April, though the rest of the Edinburghs did.

It’s not been confirmed why though her studies could’ve played a part in the decision as Easter fell just before a revision week. It’s likely that Lady Louise Windsor will next be seen with the Royal Family in public will be at Christmas which the royals typically spend at Sandringham. She will then be enjoying her Christmas break from university, allowing her to enjoy spending time with her parents, brother James and their extended family.

She and Duchess Sophie are understood to be close and the proud mum has previously shared how she and Prince Edward are “protective” of her when it comes to social media, but that it doesn’t massively interest Lady Louise.

She also expressed her desire during an appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live for her daughter to retain as much privacy as she wants, despite being a member of the Royal Family. 

“I can only equip her the best that I can, and then she has to make her own choices. But I hope for the next few years, at least, she will still be able to be as private as she wants to be,” she declared.

Having followed the Prince and Princess of Wales's lead with her choice of university, Lady Louise Windsor may now have something else in common with them, as her school is known for a long-standing and bizarre tradition.

Though she's tipped to take on a bigger role within the royal family one day, right now Lady Louise has just entered her second year at the University of St Andrews. This is, of course, the same establishment her cousin, Prince William attended back in 2001 and where he struck up his relationship with Kate Middleton.

Aside from having all attended the same campus though, there's also another aspect of their education that they may now share. St Andrews is famous for having one, very bizarre, annual tradition (dubbed Raisin Weekend) that William reportedly once took part in and Lady Louise herself, may be getting involved with. 

According to the university's website, it all begins with what's known as 'academic families.' This tradition sees older students 'adopting' the younger students (or freshers as they're often called) as their 'children' with the aim of mentoring and guiding them. The university cites this as a, "fantastic way for first-year students to meet new people."

The academic families are just the beginning though, as the website explains, "This ‘mentoring’ culminates in Raisin Weekend, when children are entertained by their parents and are encouraged to play pranks and silly games."

These prank-filled festivities are then followed by an even more bizarre day, dubbed, 'Raisin Monday.' This sees, "the children dress in embarrassing, flamboyant costumes, are given strange objects with a traditional Latin inscription, and are let loose on Lower College lawn for an enormous shaving foam fight."

Hello! reports that Prince William himself is thought to have joined in on 'Raisin Monday', though there are no pictures to confirm this. As for Lady Louise, again it's unclear if she would have taken part but having started her first year in 2022, she may very well have found herself in an 'academic family.'

When it comes to William and Kate's university days, we have had some glimpses into their time on campus, from William's 'not too cushy' room to Kate's discovery of her love for photography.

Lady Louise as a second year, still has plenty of time to partake in all that St Andrews has to offer. Indeed, it's presumed that after having stayed in the campus halls of residence (much like William and Kate did) during her first year, she is now renting accommodation with friends and no doubt, studying away. 

Despite being one of the youngest of late Queen Elizabeth II's grandchildren, it's thought Lady Louise Windsor could soon embrace a bigger role within the royal family - as experts say she's showing 'competency'.

As the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Lady Louise has already made a number of public appearances on behalf of the royal family and is soon expected to take on a much bigger role.

Currently, the young royal is in her second year at the University of St Andrews studying English, the very institution that her cousin, Prince William attended and began his relationship with Kate Middleton. However, royal experts suggest that once she graduates, we may see her step up her royal duties, thanks to having already proven her 'competency'.

Whilst appearing on The Royal Beat, The Mail on Sunday's former assistant editor Kate Mansey was asked whether Lady Louise would be taking on more royal responsibility in the future. 

Explaining that Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward's daughter could certainly step up to take on some royal responsibilities, Kate said, "I think Lady Louise would; from people I speak to in the Palace, Lady Louise I think is quite willing to do that."

The royal expert went on to recall memories of witnessing Lady Louise show off her grace and confidence, adding, "I remember going to some Guildhall event and she was with her father and very competently circulating talking to dignitaries and foreign royals...I think there might be a role, in the way that Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie play a role."

It will have to wait a little longer though, as Kate notes, "She is at university at the moment," before adding that there's still 'plenty of time' for her to get to grips with a bigger royal position. 

While Lady Louise is unlikely to become a full-time working royal, as Duchess Sophie previously revealed to The Sunday Times that she has raised her children with the idea of getting jobs, we now know Louise is keen to take on more. 

This is something she is more than capable of, as she has previously been praised for her 'poise and confidence' at royal events, particularly during her appearance at the King's coronation, for instance - where she wore the loveliest blue, iris-patterned dress.

As for Lady Louise's current standing within the royal family, following King Charles ascending the throne she did not receive a title change, despite her parents Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex (as she was formerly known) becoming the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh earlier this year. 

Instead, she has retained her title of 'Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor' and it's thought to be very unlikely that this will change in the near future. As the grandchild of a monarch, Lady Louise was entitled to the use of a Princess title. However, her parents announced in a statement following their marriage that their future children would be styled as the children of an Earl - as Prince Edward was then the Earl of Wessex - a title which has now been passed down to son James. 

Lady Louise Windsor is likely celebrating some exciting news ahead of her second year at the University of St Andrews. 

• Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie's daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, is heading into her second year at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. 
• In a thrilling update to the university rankings, St Andrews has achieved the top spot, even nabbing first place ahead of Cambridge and Oxford.
•  In other royal news, Duchess Sophie nailed snake print in a chic co-ord and crisp white blazer - and her necklace provided some inspiring words to live by.

Last year, Lady Louise Windsor, 19, marked her first year as a university student as she began attending the University of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland. 

The prestigious university happens to be where both the Prince and Princess of Wales earned their degrees and is where their love story began, with Prince William studying geography and Princess Catherine studying art history.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's daughter Lady Louise joined the university as a fresher last September, enrolling on the English course - although her first weeks in uni education were no doubt disrupted by the death of her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, last year. 

And with Lady Louise, whose home is Bagshot Park in Surrey with parents Edward and Sophie and brother James, the Earl of Wessex, returning to university for year two, a big announcement has been made. 

As if the university wasn't credible and elite enough, with impressive royal alumni and prestigious reputation, it has now secured the number one spot in the 2024 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide and the Guardian Best Universities 2024 rankings, getting ahead of the iconic Oxford and Cambridge for the first time in 12 years, putting them into second and third place. 

This comes after it was reported that Lady Louise could be facing a slightly stressful decision following her first year, with the decision over where she will be living in second year having to be made. 

It's believed Lady Louise lived in university student halls for her first year but is set to rent private accommodation for her first and second year, presumably having friends as flat mates. 

While attending university as a member of the royal family could create some hurdles, Duchess Sophie previously revealed that her daughter likes to keep certain aspects of her life private and has solid friendships to 'protect' her. 

"We are protective, obviously. She doesn’t really get involved with social media very much at all and that is purely her choice. I wouldn’t deny her going onto it, but she’s not really that interested in it," Sophie told BBC Radio 5 Live back in 2021. 

"There’s a few platforms that she talks to her friends on but that’s basically it, she doesn’t put anything out about herself at all. She’s very private."

Continuing to share her hopes that Louise is equipped to deal with what life throws at her thanks to her family bond and friendships, Sophie added, "She’s got her eyes fairly wide open, but inevitably there will be moments that may not go so well for her, I just hope we can be there to support her through those moments.

"I hope that she and her friends will protect her from anything that somebody might want to do. But I have to let her live her life. It’s not mine to live."

There’s only one adult member of the Royal Family who hasn’t worn a tiara yet but this makes total sense given what we’ve seen from their fellow royals. 

• Fans have seen the royals bring out some fabulous tiaras for big events over the years but there’s one of them who’s never worn one.
• Lady Louise Windsor is 19 years old but has still never worn a tiara and likely won’t before a very big life moment.
• This royal news comes as it was revealed Prince Harry’s title has received a low-key update by the palace three years after a major decision was made. 

There have been some magnificent tiara moments from immediate and extended Royal Family members over the years. Many of Queen Elizabeth’s tiaras have had many state occasions at which to shine and Queen Camilla’s favourite tiara was her go-to for a visit to Berlin in March. Whilst the Princess of Wales’ Lover’s Knot Tiara was a show-stopper at the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa of Jordan. And it’s easy to forget that only one adult member of the Royal Family hasn’t worn a tiara at this point. 

Out of all the adult members of the Royal Family, from the late Queen Elizabeth’s children to her grandchildren, it’s only Lady Louise Windsor who’s never worn one.

The 19-year-old has attended plenty of high-profile royal occasions over the years but never a State Banquet where tiaras are traditionally worn. This doesn’t mean that Lady Louise will remain the one adult member of the Royal Family who hasn’t worn a tiara forever though.  When it comes to getting to wear a tiara, both working and non-working royals alike have been seen wearing them at other times, though typically for the first time on one particular day. 

Lady Louise Windsor’s cousins Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, and Zara Tindall wore tiaras for the first time on their wedding days. Princess Eugenie opted for the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara, whilst Princess Beatrice wore Queen Mary’s Diamond Fringe Tiara which both Queen Elizabeth and Princess Anne wore on their wedding days.

Zara Tindall’s wedding tiara was one she’s understood to have borrowed from Princess Anne and which once belonged to Prince Philip’s mother Princess Alice of Battenberg. This is the only time fans have seen Zara - who was born without a royal title - where a tiara and Princess Eugenie has likewise only been pictured wearing one at her wedding.

Stepping out in the York Tiara in Jordan earlier this year, Princess Beatrice’s tiara stunned as she wore one for only the second time. It’s likely that Lady Louise Windsor will wear her first tiara on her own wedding day and could possibly get to wear one another time if she goes on to attend a high-profile royal wedding or event where one is required. 

Lady Louise could also be permitted to borrow one of her grandmother’s tiaras for her big day, possibly one of the ones her mother has worn. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh has been seen wearing some stunning pieces over the years, including the diamond and aquamarine tiara she wore last year for a state banquet and the diamond Anthemion Tiara she wore for her wedding to Prince Edward. 

This is more subtle as royal tiaras go and would also have a lovely story behind it and so could likely be Lady Louise Windsor’s tiara of choice whenever the time to wear one for the first time comes. 

Lady Louise Windsor reportedly bonds with young cousin Princess Charlotte over drawing wildnerness landscapes at Balmoral.

As the Brits continue their summer holidays in the coming months, the royals will be heading off to Balmoral for their annual summer holiday, where everyone will get a chance to catch up and bond - including the children of the royals. 

Lady Louise Windsor, her brother James, as well as Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will likely be in attendance this year on holiday at Balmoral, soaking up the peace of the countryside and getting some much deserved rest with the adults. 

This time together gives the children a chance to bond as they all continue to grow up, and reportedly, Lady Louise, 17, has gotten to showing Princess Charlotte, 8, a really, really adorable skill while relaxing in the countryside.

An insider told The Sun in 2019 that Lady Louise has been great with Charlotte, teaching her how to draw landscapes of the scenery and animals at Balmoral. "Louise also endeared herself to everyone by looking after William and Kate’s children when they were up here," the source revealed. "Louise loves drawing and sketching and was very patiently trying to get Charlotte to do pictures of rabbits and deer."

According to that source, the Queen also had expressed that she was pleased that her grandchildren loved to spend time at Balmoral, claiming that it was a great way for them to connect and bond, as well as teach other things. 

"The Queen loves the fact that Louise and James [Louise's younger brother] relish their time at Balmoral, and she has become particularly close to Louise, who seems to have become her favourite grandchild, closely followed by James," the source cited.

As Louise has often been thought of in a historic honor as the Queen's favorite grandchild, she had quite the significant role at her Platinum Jubilee in 2022, making an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony with her family, Sophie Wessex, Edward, and brother James. She also was able to watch the spectacular flypast from the balcony with her family members, despite not being old enough at the time to be considered a working royal. 

The Countess of Wessex has also previously talked in the past about whether Louise was ready to attend University - and as it now stands, the royal, 19, is attending St. Andrew's University, where Princess Catherine and Prince William first began their romance. She is currently studying English at St. Andrew's.