In a significant move that could reshape the royal family’s military legacy, Lady Louise Windsor is setting her sights on a career in the armed forces.
At just 20 years old, she stands poised to become the first female member of the royal family to actively serve in the military since her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Currently enrolled in the University Officers’ Training Corps at St Andrews, Louise is determined to follow in the footsteps of her father, Prince Edward, and other male relatives who have donned military uniforms.
While her father had a brief encounter with the Royal Marines in 1987, he left the rigorous training after only a few months.
In contrast, King Charles, her uncle, served honorably in both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy between 1971 and 1976.
Meanwhile, another uncle, Prince Andrew, has had a controversial past but is remembered for his service as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War.
A source shared with The Sun that Lady Louise is genuinely enthusiastic about pursuing a military career, indicating her desire to serve the King and her country.
She has reportedly developed a strong passion for army cadets, demonstrating her commitment to this path.
This ambition is further underscored by her impressive academic achievements; Louise recently earned four A-grades in her A-levels, the highest of any royal family member.
Her LinkedIn profile also hints at her aspirations, showcasing an interest not only in the military but also in potential careers in diplomacy or law.
If Louise successfully transitions into military service following her final year at university, she will break new ground as the first female royal to do so since Queen Elizabeth II, who served as a junior commander in the Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II.
In other royal news, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has made a rare public appearance after her recent cancer diagnosis.
Seen with her husband, Prince William, and their son, Prince George, she attended a church service at Crithy Kirk near Balmoral, Scotland.
This year has seen fewer public outings for Kate, making each appearance increasingly significant.
Earlier this year, she captivated audiences during Trooping the Colour in June and later presented the winning trophy to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon, where she serves as president of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Reflecting on her health journey, Kate spoke openly about her recovery, stating, “I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days.”
With warmth and honesty, she elaborated on her experience, noting that the tougher days leave her feeling weak and fatigued, necessitating rest.
Yet, on the brighter days, she seizes the opportunity to engage in school activities and personal interests that uplift her spirits.
Kate remains resilient, acknowledging that her treatment is ongoing and will extend for several more months.
On days when she feels well enough, she finds joy in participating in her children’s lives and managing some work from home.
Her story of perseverance resonates deeply, reflecting the challenges many face while navigating health issues.