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Lady Louise Windsor paid tribute to her grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh‘s lasting legacy by taking part in a carriage-driving event on the weekend of the anniversary of his death.
The Queen’s granddaughter, 18, was watched by proud mother Sophie Wessex as she expertly led her horse through the course in Windsor.
Louise, the eldest daughter of Sophie and Prince Edward, inherited her love of carriage driving from the Duke of Edinburgh, who is credited with popularising the sport in Britain. He personally taught his granddaughter.
Ready to go! Lady Louise Windsor was joined by her mother Sophie Wessex, pictured, as she took part in the carriage-driving event in Windsor today
Proud mother: Sophie Wessex dressed down in boots and a jacket to watch her 18-year-old daughter take part in the event
Shared interest: Lady Louise inherited her love of carriage-driving from her grandfather Prince Philip, pictured in 2005
The teenage royal looked perfectly at home on the carriage, following a successful day’s practice yesterday.
She dressed practically for the occasion, opting for a shirt, tie, jumper and red jacket that she removed once the weather wore up.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who died on April 9, 2021, spent much of his free time carriage-driving after being forced to give up other hobbies like polo later in life.
He took great pride that Louise also enjoyed the sport and the pair were often spotted in Windsor Great Park together.
Plenty to smile about! Lady Louise beamed as she headed out on her horse and carriage ahead of the event on Sunday
At home: The teenage royal is an accomplished horsewoman, as she proved when she expertly led her carriage today
Country pursuits: The Countess of Wessex delivered a masterclass in practical dressing as she joined Lady Louise today
Giddy up! Lady Louise Windsor expertly guided the carriage through the course in the sunshine at Windsor today
Picking up speed! Lady Louise Windsor kept her cool as she eased through the course in Windsor on Sunday
Ready to compete: The young royal had her competitor’s number stuck to the back of her carriage ready for the event
Louise is continuing to follow in his footsteps: earlier this month, she competed in the British Indoor Carriage Driving Championships.
She finished sixth in the junior novice class at the event in Grantham, Lincolnshire, at the weekend.
In May 2017, Prince Philip spoke about how he took up carriage driving when he stopped playing polo at the age of 50.
He said: ‘I was looking round to see what next, I didn’t know what there was available. And I suddenly thought, well, we’ve got horses and carriages so why don’t I have a go.
‘So I borrowed four horses from the stables in London, took them to Norfolk and practised and thought – why not?’
On the move: Sophie Wessex walked alongside her daughter Lady Louise as she showed off her carriage-driving skills today
Like mother, like daughter! Sophie Wessex and Lady Louise Windsor both enjoy getting outdoors in the countryside
Keeping her eye on the prize: Lady Louise looked focused as she took part in the carriage-driving event in Windsor
Ready to turn! The 18-year-old demonstrated her carriage-driving prowess, which she inherited from the Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke described how he convened a committee of equestrian experts to come up with a set of international rules for the fledgling sport of carriage driving.
He was credited with shaping the sport in the UK and was still competing in his eighties, representing Britain in three European championships and six world championships in total.
At the age of 91, the prince had the dark green carriage made to his specifications out of aluminium and steel.
He was seen riding the carriage around Windsor and other royal estates in the following years.
Source: DailyMail
