Lady Louise Windsor isn't a Princess unlike two of The Queen's other granddaughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Here's the interesting reason why she isn't a Princess - even though she could be.
- Lady Louise Windsor is the daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex
- Although she isn't a Princess at the moment, this could all change
- In other Royal news, we break down the Royal Family's new titles as Charles becomes King.
Lady Louise Windsor and her brother James, Viscount Severn are the youngest of the Queen’s grandchildren, but unlike some of their cousins they do not use the titles of HRH Prince or Princess.
As the granddaughter of the Queen via her youngest son Prince Edward, Lady Louise could become a Princess one day. The reason for this is the historical Letters Patent issued back in 1917 which is still honored today. This regulation states that a princely status and the title of Royal Highness is given to all male-line grandchildren of a monarch. In other words, sons of the reigning monarch are able to father little Princes and Princesses.
Despite this honor being a birthright, when Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex were married, Buckingham Palace released a statement that said any of their children would gain the titles reserved for children of an Earl. Some suggested that this could all change when Lady Louise celebrated her 18th birthday on November 8, 2021 but this wasn't the case.
After Queen Elizabeth II’s death aged 96 at Balmoral Castle on September 8, 2022, the Royal Family will undergo many changes - the obvious being King Charles III sitting on the throne. However, other royals' titles will also change - which may include Lady Louise's father Prince Edward.
HELLO!reports that Buckingham Palace previously said, on the marriage of Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward, "The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Prince of Wales have also agreed that Prince Edward should be given the dukedom of Edinburgh in due course when the present title now held by Prince Philip eventually reverts to the Crown." In other words, Prince Edward could become the Duke of Edinburgh after his mother's death - but that's up to King Charles.
If the Prince becomes the Duke of Edinburgh, however, Lady Louise's title would remain the same - unless she decides otherwise. This isn't likely, claims her mother Sophie, who's spoken openly about bringing her children up, "with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living."
Speaking in an interview with the Sunday Times, the Countess of Wessex explained, “Hence we made the decision not to use HRH titles. They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but I think it’s highly unlikely.”
Countess Sophie has pointed out before that Lady Louise is, "a lot more fortunate," than her cousins, owing to her ability to choose. The Countess appears to know her daughter well as after turning 18, the young royal hasn't chosen to use HRH and is seemingly content with her life as is.
-
After everyday outfit inspiration? Ruth Langsford's mix and match jeans and jumper look is all you needRuth Langsford has shown how you can make the simple combination of jeans and a jumper into a new look with minimal fuss
-
Should you be using your LED face mask every day? The most safe and effective usage for radiant resultsExperts shed some light on how to get the best results from your LED face mask
-
Velvet isn't going anywhere and Duchess Sophie’s sultry yet elegant dress from 2004 is still so chicThe Duchess of Edinburgh wore a fitted velvet dress 20 years ago and it would still make the perfect winter look to this day
-
Duchess Sophie styles favourite leather dress with sultry yet cosy knee high boots for the perfect edgy winter outfitThe Duchess of Edinburgh just brought back her go-to leather dress and her floral blouse and boots were the perfect accompaniments
-
Duchess Sophie was a vision of elegance in slinky black dress styled with fluffy jacket and glittery clutch bagThe Duchess of Edinburgh proved that the simplest outfits can sometimes be the best when she wore a slinky black dress in 2016
-
Duchess Sophie’s creamy knee high boots are the versatile colour alternative to black that'll take your winter outfits to perfectionDuchess Sophie is a huge fan of knee high boots and her cream-toned pair are as stunning as they are versatile for winter outings
-
Duchess Sophie’s striding into winter in style - her gothic floral maxi skirt, fitted blazer and suede boots are our new favourite combinationThe Duchess of Edinburgh's recent look brought together so many gorgeous pieces to create an elegant winter outfit we want to recreate
-
Is Duchess Sophie a Princess? The surprising royal title that she never usesThe Duchess of Edinburgh is one of the most high-profile royals and you might be wondering if she holds a Princess title or not
-
Where do Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward live, do they own Bagshot Park and is it open to the public?The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have lived at Bagshot Park since 1999 and here's all we know about their idyllic royal home
-
Duchess Sophie's Puma trainers are the lowest price we've seen - such a bargain for a cool royal-approved shoe stapleDuchess Sophie's Puma trainers are a huge bargain right now and they add a elevated yet relaxed feel to an outfit with minimal fuss
