Lady Louise Windsor has been presented with her gold Duke of Edinburgh Award by her father, Prince Edward, during a ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse today.
The 22-year-old received the prestigious honour merely a day after completing her university education.
On Thursday, the King’s niece graduated from St Andrews University, where she studied English and international relations, with both her parents in attendance.
The Scottish university holds particular significance for the Royal family, as it was where the Prince and Princess of Wales first encountered one another as students.
Lady Louise was among hundreds of young people recognised at today’s event, all having completed the award’s demanding criteria including regular volunteering, physical activities, an expedition and a residential experience with strangers.
The award scheme was established by Prince Philip seven decades ago, designed to help young people discover and fulfil their potential.
Prince Edward, now holding the Duke of Edinburgh title, has dedicated four decades to supporting the programme and personally distributed this year’s gold awards in Scotland.
Lady Louise enjoyed an especially close relationship with her late grandfather, taking up carriage driving as a hobby inspired by his own enthusiasm for the pursuit.
She also shared a strong bond with her grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh frequently brought their children to Windsor Castle to spend time with the late monarch.
Throughout her school and university years, Lady Louise has largely stayed away from public attention, following the convention observed for royal children during their education.
Lady Louise intends to take a gap year before settling on a career direction, with plans to work, volunteer and travel during this period.
Despite not being a working royal, she has demonstrated considerable interest in military affairs through her service as a cadet with the St Andrews University Officers’ Training Corps.
During her university breaks, she gained work experience at a garden centre in Surrey and helped out at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
The public will likely see Lady Louise appearing at royal occasions in future, accompanying her parents and younger brother James, the Earl of Wessex.
She has built a reputation for her academic commitment and dedication to pursuits outside her studies.
