Royal Couple Bonds Through University Military Service
Lady Louise Windsor, the 22-year-old daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, appears to have been joined in her university's army reserve unit by her boyfriend, Felix da Silva-Clamp, signalling a strengthening bond between the young couple. Both were spotted looking smart in their military uniforms during the St Andrews Regiments' Day Parade over Remembrance Day Weekend.
Sombre Commemoration for Fallen Soldiers
Praised for her dedication to duty at such a young age, Lady Louise was among members of the Officers' Training Corps at the commemorative event for fallen soldiers on November 9 - just one day after her birthday. The couple sported matching solemn expressions as they marched alongside fellow cadets in camouflage ensembles, all wearing red poppies, walking from Holy Trinity Church to the War Memorial in town, where wreaths were laid down.
"It was a very sombre affair," a source told HELLO! Magazine. "Lady Louise's serious demeanour reflects the sombre nature of the procession. She was incredibly committed and professional throughout."
Growing Connection at St Andrews University
Louise is currently in the fourth and final year of her English degree at St Andrews University, where she first met Felix. Their close bond has become the source of vast speculation since they were seen cosying up at her 21st birthday last November. The duo wrapped their arms around each other, gently placing their heads together as Lady Louise took selfies on her phone.
The pair have been forging a strong bond over the past two years, with Felix - whose father is a solicitor - even reportedly travelling down to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk to see Louise at her driving competition in June, where she won an impressive silver medal.
If the couple go the distance they will follow in the footsteps of William and Kate, who also met when they were students at St Andrews. Both Lady Louise and Felix share a passion for theatre and have taken lead roles in university productions together.
The young man works in an ice cream parlour in St Andrews while undertaking his studies, according to the Daily Express, and Lady Louise herself has experience of taking on a low-key part-time job despite her royal status. In 2022, she spent the summer working at a garden centre before embarking on her higher education.
It has been reported that Lady Louise is keen to jet off to Australia for her final year - with Macquarie University at the top of her list. A source told the Express that due to Felix previously attending a school overseas, studying in another country is an option they're considering, though the plan has not been finalised yet.
Despite being cousins with Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Prince William and Prince Harry, Louise uses the title 'Lady' rather than 'Princess' as her parents wanted to shield her from the pressures of public life. She has previously expressed interest in pursuing a career in "the military, diplomacy or law" and could become the first female royal since her late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, to serve in the military.
