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Lady Louise Windsor has celebrated a significant milestone, graduating from the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
In new photos released by Buckingham Palace, the daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, is seen beaming in her gown and cap, proudly holding her graduation scroll as her parents look on.
The granddaughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II has earned a degree in English after four years at the prestigious Scottish institution.
With the slimmed‑down monarchy now starting to look a little too slim, could Lady Louise step into a royal role?
Here’s what’s next for King Charles’ niece…
What’s next for Lady Louise Windsor?
Now that she has completed her studies, Lady Louise is expected to take a gap year before deciding on her next steps.
The busy 12‑month period is set to include work, volunteering and travel as she explores her options.
Her itinerary may even bring her to Australia thanks to someone very special in her life: her boyfriend, Felix Robert da Silva‑Clamp.
Like her cousin Prince William, Louise met her partner at St Andrews. Felix is half‑Australian and attended Melbourne Grammar School from 2017 to 2022. His mother, Kendall Clamp, still lives in Melbourne.
Felix has already been spotted at events in Windsor, where Louise competes in carriage driving. A gap year would be the perfect opportunity for her to meet his family, just as he has met hers.
Will Lady Louise become a full‑time working royal?
Lady Louise and her younger brother, James, Earl of Wessex, were never expected to become full‑time working royals as the monarchy sought to reduce demands on the public purse.
“We try to bring them up with the understanding that they are very likely to have to work for a living,” Sophie told The Sunday Times in 2020.
But the royal landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years. Following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020, an enormous burden has fallen on the Prince and Princess of Wales who are the only senior working royals under 60.
The case for Lady Louise to take on royal duties
Louise’s age, clean public record, and lack of an established independent career — unlike her cousin Zara Tindall — make her an appealing option to help fill the gap.
Her parents can also show her the ropes given their full time working royal roles.
“The Edinburgh children have been beautifully brought up,” British aristocrat Lady Colin Campbell tells WHO. “And they are a prince and princess, whether or not they use the titles. I would like to see them incorporated — we need more feet on the ground.”
Louise is also believed to be interested in a military career and completed officer training through her university regiment alongside her studies. The military has been a popular option for many royals before they committed to full time royal duties.
She has expressed interest in international diplomacy and law, meaning further study could also be on the cards.
Before starting university, Louise worked a part‑time job at a garden centre in Windsor, earning a reputation for being friendly, grounded and hard‑working. These are qualities The FIrm could benefit from in the years to come.
“I think Prince William is going to need some help — he and Catherine can’t carry the whole show,” Majesty magazine editor Ingrid Seward tells WHO. “It really depends on whether Edward and Sophie want their children to have that life, and who is in the top job at the time. Lady Louise does seem quite charitable‑minded, so it could be a great fit.”
