Royal fans wish Lady Louise Windsor a happy 19th birthday

Lady Louise Windsor has today celebrated her 19th birthday, marking the young royal’s first one without both her grandparents Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

The daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Forfar, has been described as the ‘favourite’ grandchild of the former monarch, and famously shared a passion for all things equestrian with both her grandmother and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Well-wishers on social media congratulated Her Majesty’s youngest granddaughter on the occasion. Many remarked on her equestrian talents and bond with the late monarch. 

‘Today is the 19th birthday of Lady Louise Windsor, who has turned into an accomplished horse woman, especially carrying on her grandfather’s sport of carriage driving,’ one wrote. ‘Going forward she will be like her parents, a real asset to the royal family.’

Lady Louise Windsor (pictured right with her mother and Timothy Laurence) has today celebrated her 19th birthday, marking the young royal’s first one without her grandparents Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip

Another poster said: ‘I absolutely adore Lady Louise! Time slow down! Happy 19th birthday!!’

‘Wishing a very happy and healthy 19th birthday to Lady Louise,’ another user added. ‘Louise is such a pretty, sweet girl and it’s been lovely to see her grow up! I hope she will have a great day and wonderful new year.’

In September, Louise – who is studying English at the University of St Andrews – looked emotional as she arrived for Her Majesty’s Committal Service at St George’s Chapel.

The teenager dressed in traditional all black and appeared solemn during the service, while her cheeks were flushed as she sat down in the Windsor church ahead of the service.  

Paying tribute to Prince Philip, Lady Louise drove his carriage around the arena during the emotional procession at the finale of the 'Gallop Through History' Platinum Jubilee event in May

Paying tribute to Prince Philip, Lady Louise drove his carriage around the arena during the emotional procession at the finale of the ‘Gallop Through History’ Platinum Jubilee event in May

Well-wishers on social media came in droves as they congratulated Her Majesty's eldest granddaughter on the occasion

 Well-wishers on social media came in droves as they congratulated Her Majesty’s eldest granddaughter on the occasion

She and her 14-year-old brother James, Viscount Severn had shown a maturity far beyond their years as they joined their older cousins in mourning since the Queen died at Balmoral on September 8, aged 96. 

The Wessex family were also able to see a lot more of her grandparents growing up than her cousins, as she has always lived just 11 miles from Windsor at Bagshot Park. 

She discovered a passion for carriage-driving thanks to her grandfather, the late Duke of Edinburgh, who had counted the activity among his favourite pastimes since the 1970s.

He raced carriages near Norfolk before going on to represent Britain at several world and European championships.

Many remarked on her equestrian talents and connection to her family as they sent birthday wishes on social media

Many remarked on her equestrian talents and connection to her family as they sent birthday wishes on social media

As a result of getting involved in carriage driving, Louise was central to a moving moment that took place ahead of Her Majesty’s jubilee this Summer.

Paying tribute to Prince Philip, she drove his carriage around the arena during the emotional procession at the finale of the ‘Gallop Through History’ Platinum Jubilee event in May, which was staged by the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

The Queen appeared emotional as her granddaughter drove the carriage belonging to her late husband during the heartfelt tribute.

During that week, the monarch had also been pictured watching with pride as Lady Louise, driving the Duke of Edinburgh’s carriage, led the Fell Pony Society centenary parade at the Windsor Royal Horse show.

In September, Louise looked emotional as she arrived for Her Majesty's Committal Service at St George's Chapel. Pictured leaving Westminster Abbey with her brother James, Viscount Severn

In September, Louise looked emotional as she arrived for Her Majesty’s Committal Service at St George’s Chapel. Pictured leaving Westminster Abbey with her brother James, Viscount Severn

The daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Forfar, has been described as the 'favourite' grandchild of the late monarch. Lady Louise (right) pictured with her mother (centre) and the Queen in 2015

The daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Forfar, has been described as the ‘favourite’ grandchild of the late monarch. Lady Louise (right) pictured with her mother (centre) and the Queen in 2015

Her parents wanted to give their daughter and son James, Viscount Severn, 14, a ‘normal’ childhood with schoolfriends and extra-curricular activities.

And so Lady Louise was largely kept out of the limelight throughout her childhood, with her first major Royal outing coming at the age of nine when she was a bridesmaid at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding in 2011. 

It was also earlier this year reported that the hardworking Louise had over the summer been working at a garden centre, for around the minimum wage, several days a week.

She had  been earning £6.63 per hour since finishing her A-levels in June – despite living in a £30million mansion in Bagshot Park, Surrey.

Louise (pictured with her mother as they arrives to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for Prince Philip) discovered a passion for carriage driving thanks to her grandfather

Louise (pictured with her mother as they arrives to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for Prince Philip) discovered a passion for carriage driving thanks to her grandfather

She confirmed her place at the University of St Andrews after receiving her A-level results, Buckingham Palace had said, to read English at the Scottish institution, where Prince William and Kate Middleton met.

One shopper told The Sun: ‘I knew the cost-of-living crisis was bad, but I didn’t think I’d ever see a grandchild of the Queen working in a garden centre.’

Another customer added: ‘The staff seemed to adore her. It’s not every day you buy your begonias off a royal.’ And a third, who was served by the royal, said: ‘I couldn’t believe it was Lady Louise, I had to look twice.

‘She is a really modest and sweet young woman who is polite and attentive to customers. She seemed to be loving the job. You’d never imagine the Queen’s granddaughter would take on a role working behind a till.’ 

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