Lady Louise spends time with her boyfriend at royal residence as Duchess of Edinburgh joins couple

Lady Louise is currently 16th in line to the throne

Lady Louise Windsor took to the reins at Sandringham estate on Friday, competing in the prestigious Horse Driving Trials whilst accompanied by her university boyfriend Felix da Silva-Clamp and her mother, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

The 21-year-old royal appeared composed and self-assured as she participated in the carriage driving competition, an event established by her late grandfather Prince Philip.

Felix da Silva-Clamp, whom Louise met whilst studying at St Andrews University, observed from the sidelines as his girlfriend demonstrated her equestrian skills.

The Duchess of Edinburgh was present to support her daughter, engaging warmly with other attendees at the Norfolk estate.

Lady Louise Windsor took to the reins at Sandringham estate on Friday, competing in the prestigious Horse Driving Trials whilst accompanied by her university boyfriend Felix da Silva-Clamp and her mother, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

The carriage driving trials at Sandringham carry profound personal meaning for Lady Louise, as the competition was established by Prince Philip in 1982 to bring his beloved sport to one of his preferred royal estates.

The late Duke of Edinburgh took up carriage driving in his fifties after retiring from polo, maintaining his enthusiasm for the sport despite occasional tumbles during competitions until his later years.

Lady Louise has been actively competing in carriage driving since her teenage years, preserving her grandfather’s sporting legacy within the Royal Family.

The young royal, currently 16th in line to the throne, shares Prince Philip’s passion for the demanding equestrian discipline.

Lady Louise has been actively competing in carriage driving since her teenage years, preserving her grandfather’s sporting legacy within the Royal Family.

Lady Louise presented an elegant appearance at the trials, sporting a sophisticated beige overcoat with coordinating gloves and a traditional black riding helmet suitable for the competition.

The royal’s participation comes shortly after her notable absence from this month’s Trooping the Colour ceremony in London, where her parents were in attendance whilst she and her brother James, Earl of Wessex, were not present.

Her non-attendance at the King’s birthday parade was primarily due to her demanding academic commitments at St Andrews, where she is currently in her third year studying English Literature.

The university schedule has previously prevented her from attending major royal occasions.

Sophie has previously expressed her pride in Louise’s commitment to carriage driving, recognising the sport’s importance to her late father-in-law.

PA

Lady Louise’s dedication extends beyond the equestrian arena, as she actively participates in the University Officers’ Training Corps alongside her academic pursuits.

Her commitment to forging an independent career path whilst honouring family traditions reflects her determination to balance royal heritage with personal ambitions.

Sophie has previously expressed her pride in Louise’s commitment to carriage driving, recognising the sport’s importance to her late father-in-law.