Lady Louise Windsor graduated from the University of St Andrews on 2 July 2026, earning a degree in English and international relations. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended the ceremony, where Louise participated in the traditional 'capping' ritual. Official portraits were taken to commemorate the occasion.
Graduation and Academic Achievements
Louise completed her studies at the same university where Prince William and Kate Middleton met in the early 2000s. She achieved four A* grades in her A-Levels, the highest of any member of the Royal Family, before starting at St Andrews in 2022. After graduating, she plans to take a gap year, combining work, volunteering, and travel.
Military Aspirations
During university, Louise joined the University Officer Training Corps, demonstrating an interest in military service. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said: "Lady Louise seems to have been keen on the military from an early stage in her undergraduate studies... She is said to have loved every minute of her time as an officer cadet and is keen to turn it into a full-time career." If she joins the military, she would be the first female royal to do so since the late Queen Elizabeth II, who served as a Junior Commander with the Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War Two.
Passion for Carriage Riding
Louise shares a hobby of carriage driving with her late grandfather, Prince Philip. In a 2021 documentary, she said: "The Duke of Edinburgh has been so involved in my driving... It's incredible to have learned first-hand from him and it definitely made us closer I think." Earlier in 2026, she worked as a chief organiser at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Director Nick Brooks-Ward told Vanity Fair: "Lady Louise is one of the chief organisers... She's a great worker and a real asset to the team with no airs or graces. It's a proper paid job and there's no special treatment because of who she is."
A Normal Upbringing
Louise and her brother James, the Earl of Wessex, were raised without royal titles, as their parents wanted them to have a normal childhood. Their mother Sophie said it was 'highly unlikely' they would adopt HRH titles at 18. Louise did not take the title. In summer 2022, while awaiting A-Level results, she worked at a garden centre for £6.83 an hour. A shopper said: "I couldn't believe it was Lady Louise... She is a really modest and sweet young woman who is polite and attentive to customers."
Relationship Rumours
During her final years at university, rumours emerged of a romance with fellow student Felix da Silva-Clamp. They reportedly met through a student drama production. Carriage driving coach Sara Howe told Hello! Magazine: "They're just lovely, and they've got their own privacy... They're totally the opposite from that." Louise was seen walking with Felix after her graduation ceremony.
Future Royal Role
Louise has attended major royal events like the Platinum Jubilee, the Coronation, and Trooping the Colour, but is not expected to become a working royal. Royal expert Jennie Bond said: "Edward and Sophie are keen that Louise and James should choose their own career paths... I'm sure that in the years to come, if cousin William needs a few extra hands to the pump at any stage, Louise and James will be willing to help."
