Lhe family birthday party will have to wait. Lady Louise Windsor has just turned 20 (she was born on 8 November 2003 in a hospital in Surrey, not far from London) but her university studies keep her too busy to think about the celebrations. Furthermore, when it comes to celebrations at court, uncle King Charles, who turns 75 on Tuesday 14th, certainly has precedence.
Lady Louise Windsor, future “sidekick” of Prince George?
Just her, the eldest daughter of Edward and Sophie of Wessex, new Dukes of Edinburgh, is indicated as the heir of Anne of England with regards to an exclusive role at court. Because if the Princess Royal is the number one ally of her brother King Charles, Lady Louise will take on the same role at court towards her cousin George, 10 years old, of whom she is very fond and has often helped during official events, keeping him hand and suggesting the protocol rules to follow.
Lady Louise: «First I study, then we’ll see»
For her role as Working Royal, Lady Louise will have to finish her studies early. Since last year, you have been studying English language and literature at the University of St Andrews, the same place where William and Kate met. But dand will decide to respect the wishes of her parents, who refused to grant her when she was born the title of princess, to ensure a certain normality? After all, her title is rightfully hers, like her cousins Beatrice and Eugenia, daughters of her uncle Andrea. Like them, Louise could still choose to work like ordinary mortals. But without a title, she will inevitably be forced to do so.
Lady Louise with her mother Sophie and brother James, at the Coronation Concert, Windsor, 7 May 2023 (Getty Images)
William and Kate want her next to George
By accepting the title of princess, Louise could become one Working Royal full time, giving up a normal life. The girl apparently expressed a desire to take some time to think about it, preferring to finish her studies first. But discussions continue at court, also in anticipation of his imminent return to London for the Christmas break. Thanks to the princes of Wales, who consider it so trustworthy that they adopted it as official babysitter of George, Charlotte and Louis during holiday periods.
The pressure at court for Lady Louise Windsor
It had been a wish expressed several times by her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, who favored her over all her grandchildren, so much so that she insisted on having her accompany her to Balmoral for the summer holidays. And also Prince Philip – from whom the girl inherited her passion for equestrian sports and in particular for the carriage rides – he had noticed her great Royal qualities, like a true princess.
Queen Elizabeth surrounded by all her great-grandchildren, including, standing in the third row, Lady Louise and brother James, Balmoral, summer 2022 (The Prince and Princess of Wales / Kensington Palace / Avalon)
Lady Louise, princess but not duchess
Given the shortage of Royals capable of representing him in an official capacity, now Carlo would also like to convince her to accept the role of Prince George’s “right-hand man”., future heir to the throne. Louise could thus console herself with the fact that, despite being the eldest daughter of Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, and due to an archaic rule at court, her parents’ dukedom is destined for her younger brother James.
Sophie and Louise’s commitment to eye diseases
Whatever her decision, Lady Louise has already made an important promise: after her studies she will join her mother Sophie in her campaign for greater research into eye diseases. These days the Duchess is in Canada, to visit hospitals and research centres, and one day she will have her daughter next to her, who as a child she had undergone several operations aimed at correcting her esotropia, a form of strabismus. As a princess or ordinary mortal, Louise has quite clear intentions: she will still be one Working Royal.
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