Buckingham Palace has released special family photographs to mark Lady Louise Windsor's graduation from the University of St Andrews on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's daughter celebrated four years at the Scottish university, graduating with a degree in English.
Proud Parents and Graduation Ceremony
In the new photographs, proud parents Edward and Sophie stand beside their daughter, who is wearing her graduation robes. A second image shows Louise posing alone. The pictures were taken at University House immediately after the ceremony. Louise beamed as she walked to the centre of the stage in the university's Younger Hall, where she kneeled on a cushion for the traditional "capping" ritual. She wore a black skirt, a crisp white shirt, black heels, and her graduation robes.
Future Plans and Royal Role
Though she regularly attends set-piece royal events such as Trooping the Colour and the Royal Family's Christmas and Easter celebrations, Louise is not expected to become a working royal. The 22-year-old is understood to be planning a gap year involving work, volunteering, and travel before exploring career opportunities. Her younger brother, aged 18, has just completed his A Levels, but his plans—whether to attend university or pursue other paths—are expected to be announced after he receives his results next month.
Their parents have raised their children with the understanding that they will likely need to pursue careers. Sophie previously said in an interview with The Sunday Times: "We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living."
St Andrews Tradition
Louise chose to attend the alma mater of the Prince and Princess of Wales in Scotland after completing her A Levels. Courses in Scotland typically last four years, compared to the traditional three in England and Wales.
