Lady Louise Windsor and her younger brother, James, Earl of Wessex, are the youngest grandchildren of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. While their position as the youngest in the royal lineage has brought many privileges—like the guidance of older cousins—it also comes with a poignant reality.
If and when Lady Louise and James choose to marry in the future, they will be the only grandchildren of the late monarch and her husband who will not have their beloved grandparents present on their wedding days.
The last of the Queen’s grandchildren to marry during their lifetimes was Princess Beatrice, who tied the knot in 2020 in a small, socially distanced ceremony during the pandemic. Prince Philip was present, along with the couple’s immediate family, including Beatrice’s and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s parents and siblings.
Throughout the years, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip attended the weddings of all their other grandchildren—Zara Tindall, Peter Phillips, Prince William, Princess Eugenie, and Princess Beatrice—leaving Louise and James as the only ones whose future nuptials will be marked by their grandparents’ absence.
Strong Bonds with Royal Cousins
Despite this bittersweet reality, Lady Louise and James have developed close relationships with their royal cousins, who are expected to offer steadfast support in years to come.
Lady Louise shares a particularly close connection with Prince William. She even followed in the footsteps of the Prince and Princess of Wales by enrolling at St Andrew’s University in Scotland.
Last year, Danielle Stacey, commented on Louise’s growing potential within the royal family: “Lady Louise Windsor is carving out her own career, but she may be one of the cousins the Prince of Wales turns to when he becomes King. While it’s not known if she wants to become a full-time working royal like her parents, Lady Louise could represent the monarchy or attend engagements on behalf of William in the future.”
She added that William might follow the example set by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was supported by her extended family—including the Kents, the Gloucesters, and Princess Alexandra—throughout her reign.
As the royal family continues to evolve, it’s clear that Lady Louise and James have the strength of a loving family around them—even as they prepare to mark major life moments without two of their most cherished family members.
