Lady Louise Windsor: Queen Elizabeth’s favourite grandchild? The teenage royal even inherited Prince Philip’s ‘most prized possession’

Jul 25 , 2021

Lady Louise Windsor is often described as one of Queen Elizabeth’s favourite grandchildren. Photos: @queenelizabethiiuk; @louise_windsor2003/Instagram

Lady Louise Windsor, the 17-year-old daughter of Prince Edward and Countess Sophie Wessex, inherited Prince Philip’s most prized possession when he died this year – and is even known as “the queen’s favourite grandchild”.

So who exactly is Lady Louise and why will she potentially choose not to use her princess title when she turns 18 in November?

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Queen Elizabeth’s favourite grandchild

Elder sister to 13-year-old James, Viscount Severn, Lady Louise Alice Elizabeth Mary Mountbatten-Windsor is very close to the British monarch, and she and her younger brother “relish their time” at the queen’s Balmoral residence, according to a royal insider.

Lady Louise with her parents Prince Edward and Countess Sophie Wessex at her sibling Viscount Severn’s christening, along with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Photo: @louise_windsor2003/Instagram

Louise was also close to her grandfather, Prince Philip, before he passed away earlier this year, and the Duke of Edinburgh left her with his most prized possession: his dark green aluminium and steel carriage. The pair had apparently bonded over their mutual love for carriage riding as a sport and the teenager has continued to put the late royals’ two ponies through their paces at Windsor Castle since his passing.

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Starring role in the royal family

Lady Louise has stayed under the radar in recent years while studying history, politics and drama for her A-levels, but she could step into the spotlight after her looming milestone birthday.

Lady Louise was spotted riding in a carriage with Prince Harry at Prince William’s wedding in 2011. Photo: @louise_windsor2003/Instagram

Up until now, her second-biggest starring role has been as one of the bridesmaids at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding in 2011. She was just seven years old when the world watched her accompany the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge down the aisle. Ten years later, at age 17, she rose to the occasion once again when she and her brother flanked their mother in support at their grandfather’s funeral. The well-mannered teen was praised by a royal commenter for her ability to carry out her duties.

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Queen Mary lookalike

Lady Louise – who lives at home in Bagshot Park near Windsor Castle – has also notably been described as a carbon copy of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Mary of Teck. Royal enthusiasts delight at their similar chins, lips and noses.

Lady Louise has stayed under the radar while studying for her A-levels. Photo: @britishmonarchy_/Instagram

Lady Louise’s eyes have also drawn attention in the past. The young royal was born one month early, which resulted in placental abruption and the eye condition esotropia. This inspired her mother Sophie’s charity initiatives, and she is now an ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.

“Her squint was quite profound when she was tiny and it takes time to correct it,” Countess Sophie told the UK press in 2015, about her child undergoing eye surgeries to correct her vision. “You’ve got to make sure one eye doesn’t become more dominant than the other but she’s fine now – her eyesight is perfect.”

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To be or not to be a princess?

The youngest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth is 15th in line to the throne and has been referred to as “the child of” her parents up until now. But her mother confirmed in 2020 that Lady Louise did retain her royal title, and she has the choice to use it when she turns 18 years old. Her cousins have done just that: they include Prince Andrew’s children Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie (a competitor for the queen’s “favourite granddaughter” moniker), and Prince Charles’ sons Princes William and Harry.

Lady Louise is currently 15th in line to the throne. Photo: @my_britishroyal_diaries/Instagram

She would be in good company. Princess Anne’s unconventionally named daughter Zara Tindall chose not to use her princess title when she turned 18, but the wife of rugby star Mike Tindall remains a public figure in the British royal family.

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Royalty

A contender for the title of Queen Elizabeth’s favourite grandchild, Lady Louise Windsor may not use her princess title when she turns 18
The daughter of Prince Edward and Countess Sophie Wessex won over the world as a super-cute bridesmaid at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding