As royal fans admired Princess Kate’s elegant outfit and giggled at Prince Louis’s playful expressions during the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations, some were quick to notice the absence of two younger royals — Lady Louise Windsor and her brother, James, Earl of Wessex.
Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie’s children were not present for the commemorative military parade in London, and while no official explanation was given by Buckingham Palace, it’s widely believed that academic commitments kept them away.
James, currently preparing for his A-levels, has a busy exam schedule ahead and likely chose to focus on his studies rather than attend the lengthy public engagement. He did, however, make time to join the royal family for the Easter service at St George’s Chapel earlier this year.
Lady Louise, now 21, is in the final year of her English degree at the University of St Andrews – the same institution where Prince William and Princess Kate famously met. With exams set to begin on 10 May, she’s reportedly devoting herself entirely to her coursework. She also missed the royal Easter outing this year to concentrate on her studies.
Known for keeping a low profile at university, Lady Louise has largely avoided public attention, quietly preparing for a life away from the spotlight. While she has impressed royal watchers with her poise and grace at key events like the King’s Coronation, Trooping the Colour, and Christmas services, she is not expected to become a working royal.
Like her cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, and her own parents, she may choose a private career path. And with the monarchy’s emphasis on a streamlined group of senior working royals, Lady Louise is unlikely to take on official royal duties in the future.
Still, her occasional appearances continue to delight royal fans — a reminder of her quiet but steady presence in the royal family.
