Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and her daughter Lady Louise Windsor were pictured piloting their own carriages at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Saturday. The pair took part in the Pol Roger Meet of the British Driving Society on day four of the event, which is the only time the private grounds of Windsor Castle are opened to the public.
Royal Participants in Carriage Driving
The Duchess of Edinburgh, 61, wore a navy blue velvet suit paired with a matching hat and a crisp white shirt as she took the driver's seat. Meanwhile, Lady Louise, 22, wore a khaki tweed jacket paired with a hat featuring a band of lime green fabric to complement the tonal look for the carriage driving event.
Lady Louise, who is currently studying English at the University of St Andrews, has been working as an event organizer at the show. She was pictured wearing a hi-vis vest while helping her father, Prince Edward, with directions on Friday. Nick Brooks-Ward, director of the event, told Vanity Fair: 'Lady Louise is one of the chief organizers, essentially operating a first concierge service. 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.'
King Charles Attends After Tragic Incident
King Charles was also seen arriving on Saturday morning, wearing a classic Harris tweed jacket and holding a traditional countryside walking stick. Prior to his arrival, he had expressed being 'greatly shocked and saddened' after a soldier from the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, was fatally injured following an incident on Friday evening. The rider fell from their horse at around 7pm after exiting the arena following a performance. Despite immediate treatment, they sustained serious injuries and died at the scene. Police said next of kin had been informed and are being supported. The death is being treated as unexplained but non-suspicious.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King was 'greatly shocked and saddened' to learn of the death, adding that he 'will be in touch with the family to share his personal condolences.' They added: 'While His Majesty and other Members of The Royal Family were present at the arena at the time the incident took place, they were not made aware of the severity of the situation until later. The thoughts and most heartfelt sympathies of the whole Royal Family are with the victim's loved ones and military colleagues at this time of grief.'
