Today marks a significant milestone in the life of Lady Louise Windsor as she celebrates her 21st birthday.
The royal family took to social media to extend their warm wishes, a rare gesture for non-working royals like Louise.
Yet, this special occasion called for an exception, and the heartfelt message was shared widely.
The official post on the royal family’s account read, “Happy 21st birthday to Lady Louise,” accompanied by a delightful photo of her at the recent Royal Windsor Horse Show, complete with a birthday cake emoji.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, also joined in the celebrations by sharing the royal family’s message, adding their own birthday wishes for Louise.
Lady Louise, whose full name is Lady Louise Alice Elizabeth Mary Mountbatten-Windsor, is currently pursuing a degree in English literature at St Andrews University in Scotland.
This prestigious institution holds a special place in royal history, as it is where the Prince and Princess of Wales first crossed paths back in 2001.
As the youngest niece of King Charles III and granddaughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Louise is certainly part of a remarkable lineage.
Interestingly, despite being a grandchild of the monarch, Lady Louise does not hold an official title.
Her parents, Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, made a conscious choice to raise their children, including Lady Louise and her younger brother James, in a more understated manner.
They aimed to provide them with a life that offers greater privacy and independence, free from the heavy expectations often associated with royal duties.
Louise’s entry into the world was quite dramatic.
Born prematurely in November 2003, she weighed just 4 pounds and 9 ounces.
Her mother, the Duchess of Edinburgh, faced severe health complications during pregnancy, leading to an emergency cesarean section when she was just eight months along.
For six days, the newborn Lady Louise received specialized care at St George’s Hospital while her mother recuperated elsewhere.
Outside of her academic pursuits, Lady Louise has developed a passion for carriage driving, a skill imparted to her by her late grandfather, Prince Philip.
She frequently participates in events like the Royal Windsor Horse Show, showcasing her talent and love for equestrian activities.
Additionally, she occasionally joins her parents at royal functions and celebrations such as Trooping the Colour.
As things stand, Lady Louise is 16th in line for the throne.
Unlike many of her royal relatives, she and her brother James are expected to forge their own paths in the working world, which may mean they won’t adopt the HRH titles as they transition into adulthood.
