Prince William harbours “big plans” for the Royal establishment’s future, yet Lady Louise Windsor, his 21 year old cousin and daughter of Prince Edward and the Duchess Sophie of Edinburgh, appears keen to forge her own trajectory.
Sharing a connection with the prospective monarchs by studying at St. Andrews where they met, Louise, alongside her brother James, Earl of Wessex, was eligible to adopt the HRH title from birth but was instead raised under more ordinary circumstances after their parents declined the styling.
Turning 18 offered her the ‘Princess’ title, which she has not embraced so far. However, the Scottish Daily Express disclosed that William might consider appointing Louise and James as working royals, a move that would entitle them to public funds from the Sovereign Grant and involve performing duties for the monarchy.
Despite being 15th and 16th in succession, given their upbringing away from the limelight and their father’s position as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s youngest son, it was initially unexpected that they would step into such roles. King Charles has long been an advocate for a ‘slimmed down monarchy’, aiming to reduce the number of working royals and thus cut the costs of the House of Windsor to the public.
However, this idea hasn’t been universally popular, especially given recent challenges faced by the Royal Family that highlight the problems that can arise from not having enough support. Last year, both King Charles and Princess Kate took time off for cancer treatment, highlighting the fact that most of the remaining working royals are ageing – the average age is 69, but without Kate and William, it jumps to 77.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had to juggle their family’s wellbeing – including their three young children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – with their Royal duties last year, reports The Mirror.
More younger working royals could help alleviate the pressure of public engagements. This would be particularly beneficial since Harry and Meghan’s departure – Charles’s vision for a leaner Royal operation didn’t factor in his youngest son, a public favourite, leaving The Firm.
Princess Anne has voiced her reservations about a pared-down monarchy, telling CBC News in 2023, “It doesn’t sound like a good idea from where I’m standing, I have to say,” and noting that the concept was first floated by Charles “when there were a few more people around”.
Meanwhile, back in 2020 Sophie – mother to Lady Louise and James – expressed doubt over her children adopting the HRH style, saying it was “unlikely”, which casts uncertainty on whether they will embrace prominent roles to support their cousin’s vision for the Royal Family.
