Lady Louise Windsor showcased her equestrian talents over the weekend at the concluding event of the carriage-driving season, a beloved tradition in her family. The 22-year-old daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, participated in the final meet held in Windsor Great Park on 4th October 2026, steering the carriage that once belonged to her late grandfather, Prince Philip.
Louise, who is currently on a gap year after graduating from the University of St. Andrews, is continuing a pastime that has been a significant part of her family heritage. On this occasion, her mother was present on the sidelines, providing encouragement as Louise demonstrated her skills behind the reins. The family resides in Bagshot Park, near Windsor, making the event a local affair for them.
The combination of royal heritage and personal passion has deep roots for Louise. From an early age, she developed a love for riding, which blossomed into a dedication to carriage driving. This was largely influenced by her grandfather, who played a pivotal role in promoting the sport throughout the United Kingdom. Upon his passing in April 2021, he bequeathed his personal carriage and horses to Louise, a gesture that underscores their close bond and shared interest in the equestrian world.
Last month, Louise paid homage to Prince Philip by participating in the National British Carriage Driving Championships. Riding Balmoral Bertie—one of her grandfather’s cherished ponies—she took part in the cross-country marathon, showcasing her skills and affection for the sport that her grandfather held dear. Reflecting on their relationship, Louise described how Prince Philip closely followed her competitions, taking joy in her achievements. “He would always ask how it went. His eyes would light up because he just gets so excited when he talks about it,” she recalled in a documentary following his death.
Earlier this summer, Louise enjoyed support from a significant other while competing at the Glebe Estate Carriage Driving Trials in West Sussex. Felix da Silva-Clamp, her boyfriend—who, like her, attended the University of St. Andrews—was seen enthusiastically cheering her on. Reports suggest that the couple met while working together in a university play, and they have been spotted together at multiple events since, evoking comparisons with other royal romances.
In July, Louise celebrated her graduation from St. Andrews with a degree in English, which she pursued with diligence as she prepares for her next steps in a career. However, despite her royal lineage, both Louise and her younger brother, James, Earl of Wessex, have opted to live outside the radar of full-time royal duties. Neither has claimed an HRH title, a choice that reflects their parents’ intentions to raise them with a practical understanding of life away from royal obligations.
Prince Edward and Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, have been vocal about instilling a sense of duty and independence in their children. Sophie has previously noted, “We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living,” reinforcing their aim of equipping Louise and James for real-world experiences rather than solely royal responsibilities.
During the recent carriage-driving event, the presence of Lady Louise highlighted a continuous thread of equestrian passion woven throughout royal history. As the sun set over Windsor Great Park, it became evident that family legacies, cherished memories, and shared interests are still very much alive in the hearts of the younger generation of royals. The blend of tradition and personal pursuits continues to shape Lady Louise Windsor’s journey, as she balances both her heritage and contemporary aspirations.