Ex-royal aide makes her feelings clear on Lady Louise

Ailsa Anderson was by the Duchess of Edinburgh’s side when Sophie gave birth

A former royal aide who witnessed Lady Louise Windsor’s birth has spoken out on King Charles’s niece.

Lady Louise, 22, has reached her fourth and final year at the University of St Andrews, with thoughts now turning to what lies ahead following graduation.

King Charles’s niece has fully immersed herself in student life at the prestigious Scottish institution located in Fife.

The late Queen Elizabeth II’s press secretary, Ailsa Anderson, shared her observations about the young royal, noting: “I love seeing pictures of Louise.

Lady Louise Windsor
Ex-royal aide who witnessed Lady Louise’s birth speaks out on King Charles’s niece

“I love the story of her sitting slumped down in a train on a laptop, doing work, either going back or coming home from university.”

Ms Anderson is very fond of the Edinburghs, and was even by Sophie’s side when she gave birth to Lady Louise four weeks prematurely in 2003.

This was because her husband, Prince Edward, was abroad in Mauritius.

Ms Anderson continued to tell Hello!: “I think she’s very, very grounded. I love the fact that she takes after her grandfather in terms of carriage driving.

Duchess of Edinburgh and Lady Louise
Duchess of Edinburgh and Lady Louise last Christmas in Sandringham

“It’s a real passion of hers. It’s a continuation of that amazing interest and hobby. She’ll be an interesting one to watch.”

Lady Louise’s younger sibling, James, Earl of Wessex, 18, has similarly maintained a low profile.

Ms Anderson remarked: “I think both children look particularly grounded and normal. We don’t see much of them on the balcony, only occasionally.

“If there’s a big set-piece event, they are there, but they’re pretty much under the radar, so they can live their life normally, if there is such a thing as a member of the Royal Family being normal when you’ve got your uncle as the King.”

Ailsa Anderson
Ailsa Anderson announcing the birth of Prince George

As Louise’s time at university draws to a close, speculation is mounting about the direction she might take once she completes her studies.

The young royal has carved out a distinctive path during her time in Scotland, balancing academic commitments with a range of extracurricular pursuits that have defined her undergraduate experience.

Her engagement with campus activities paints a picture of a royal who has embraced the full university experience.

She has signed up to the student theatre society and enrolled as a cadet in the university’s Officers’ Training Corps.

Ailsa Anderson
Ailsa Anderson pictured in 2018

Perhaps most notably, reports suggest she has taken on employment in the campus canteen, a choice that speaks to her down-to-earth character.

This combination of creative, military and practical pursuits demonstrates an approach to higher education that extends well beyond the lecture hall, with the young royal seemingly determined to make the most of her remaining time at the institution.

Beyond her university commitments, Lady Louise maintains a deep enthusiasm for carriage driving, a pursuit she inherited from her late grandfather, Prince Philip.