At merely 20 years of age, Lady Louise Windsor is the youngest granddaughter of the late Queen Elizabeth.
While she may feel like one of the lesser-known members of the British royal family, her presence has been noticed more regularly at recent events.
Louise has often avoided the public eye, and based on the experience of other family members, who can blame her?
However, after her invite to join her family on the balcony at this year’s Trooping the Colour, things may be changing.
Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about the quiet young royal…
Why isn’t Lady Louise Windsor a Princess?
Louise was born one month prematurely on November 8, 2003, at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, England. She is the eldest child of Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Growing up Louise and her younger brother James, Earl of Wessex, were known to keep a low profile. Their parents attempted to keep their lives as normal as possible.
When Prince Edward and Sophie were married, he requested the styling of an Earl, not a Duke.
With this in mind, it was decided that unlike her cousins Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, who also come from male-line grandchildren of a monarch, a princely status and the title of Royal Highness would not be given to Louise and her brother.
However, now that Louise is over the age of 18 and her parent’s titles have changed, she has the autonomy to choose whether she goes by Princess Louise. She has not chosen to do so, and according to her mother, it is highly unlikely she will.
Is Lady Louise a working royal?
While it seems the list has expanded in 2024, Lady Louise Windsor is not currently an official working royal.
According to the official royal website‘s line of succession, Louise is 16th in line for the throne. So, the chances of her needing to step into the spotlight are slim.
That’s why when speculation was running rampant about which royals would attend the 2024 Trooping the Colour, onlookers were shocked to see Louise. The young royal was placed on the balcony next to her parents, filling the role of junior royal.
Where is Lady Louise Windsor now?
Louise confirmed in 2022 that she would attend St Andrews University, the same place her cousin Prince William met his future wife Princess Catherine.
She is currently in her second year at the university studying English Literature.
Furthermore, Louise is set to make history as the first female royal to serve in the military since her grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
She’s a member of St Andrews’ University Officers’ Training Corps (UOTC) and has, according to The Sun, “fallen in love” with it.
As part of her UOTC training, Louise will be undertaking Reserve Officer training modules designed to fit around her degree, learning skills that will set her up for a career in the military after she graduates.
In her spare time, Sophie enjoys carriage riding and skiing.
