Lady Louise Windsor recently competed in a carriage driving event in West Sussex, with her boyfriend Felix da Silva-Clamp in attendance. The 22-year-old royal, who has developed a skill in carriage driving partly through her connection with her late grandfather Prince Philip, participated in the Marathon section of the Glebe Estate Carriage Driving Trials.
Following the competition, Lady Louise was seen in a more casual attire, including shorts and a t-shirt, and was wearing a Royal Windsor Horse Show cap, as was Mr. da Silva-Clamp.
This event follows Lady Louise's recent graduation from the University of St Andrews, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and International Relations. Her father, Prince Edward, presented her with the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award during a ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, was also present at the event.
Lady Louise is planning to take a gap year, during which she will engage in work, volunteering, and travel, according to Buckingham Palace. This decision comes after her graduation and mirrors a common practice among members of the Royal Family who take time to gain life experience before committing to public duties. For example, Prince William also took a gap year before attending St Andrews, participating in various activities including survival training and international volunteering.
Lady Louise and her brother, James, Earl of Wessex, do not use HRH titles. Their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, reportedly made this decision to allow them to grow up with the understanding that they would likely need to forge their own careers. Lady Louise previously held a part-time job at a local garden center before commencing her university studies.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, founded by Prince Philip in 1956, is designed to empower young people. Lady Louise's recent award presentation coincided with the award's 70th anniversary and 40 years of Prince Edward's involvement in championing it.
Speculation about Lady Louise's relationship with Felix da Silva-Clamp, a fellow St Andrews graduate, began in 2024 after they appeared together in the first student-written play at the Byre Theatre. Photos from a drama society fundraiser showed the couple in affectionate poses. It was also reported that Mr. da Silva-Clamp joined Lady Louise in their university's army reserve unit.
Royal experts have suggested that Lady Louise, noted for her down-to-earth nature and capability, could potentially take on a larger role within the monarchy in the future, particularly given the reduced number of working royals and the ongoing situations involving other family members.