The Surprising Hobby Prince Philip Shared With His Youngest Granddaughter
As the daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise Windsor, 17, is the youngest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth and the late Prince Philip, and it seems she shared one of her late grandfather's passions. As reported by the Daily Mail, Lady Louise was photographed driving her carriage in the Dressage Arena at Windsor Castle. According to the outlet, Prince Philip helped establish carriage driving as a sport in his country, and Louise shared his love of equestrian sports, training regularly throughout the years.
Philip served as the president of the organizing committee for the Royal Windsor Horse Show, which is scheduled for July 1-4, 2021, according to the event's website. The event has been every year since 1943, during which the queen opens the private grounds at Windsor Castle for events in dressage, jumping, carriage driving, and more. Louise and her mother have participated in the show in years past, with Louise driving a carriage at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2019, according to the Daily Mail.
Lady Louise is an equestrian champion
According to Hello! magazine, Lady Louise debuted as a carriage driver at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2017 and is a young driver national champion in Britain. She did not participate in last year's event, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but her mother told the magazine she would not have been able to participate regardless, as it would have interfered with her exams. The countess confirmed that Louise shared a love for horses with her grandfather, who competed for Britain in European and world championships. "She is naturally so good at it, she really is. It's something that she has taken to very well," Sophie said.
Louise is Prince Edward and Countess Sophie's only daughter, but she has a younger brother, James, Viscount Severn. Edward's children were entitled to be known as princess and prince, but he and his wife chose instead the styling of an earl, which is why she is known as Lady Louise. Louise is now 14th in line to the British throne, according to BBC News.
Prince Philip's funeral will take place on April 17, and we assume Lady Louise will be in attendance.