Earlier this year, we heard Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor speak at length for the first time. She was participating in a special documentary entitled Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers, with interviews from the many of the WIndsors about the late Duke of Edinburgh—her grandfather. She nearly stole the show.
For an hour, Louise shared stories about “one of the most interesting people I have ever met,” and spoke touchingly about the warm relationship she had with Prince Philip.
Her eloquence and sensitivity in talking about her grandfather garnered her headlines the following day, with many—including me—positing that her interview should be considered a trial run for full-time royal duties someday.
But beyond that, it was clear to anyone watching that a special bond existed between Louise and Prince Philip. Let’s explore some of their shared interests.
Louise, the youngest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, is the only grandchild to take up carriage driving, a sport the late duke helped popularise in the UK. In the past few years, she has competed at the Royal Windsor Horse Show while continuing to train.
In Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers, Louise said: “The Duke of Edinburgh has been so involved in my driving which has been so lovely although slightly scary because he invented the sport pretty much. It’s incredible to have learned first hand from him.”
She added that, “After a competition, he would always ask how it went. His eyes would light up because he just gets so excited when he talks about it.”
On the morning of Prince Philip’s funeral, Louise was spotted in Windsor taking his favourite horses, Balmoral Nevis and Notlaw Storm, out on his carriage. Later at the funeral, they had a special place watching their rider’s procession;and Louise wore an equestrian brooch in his honour.
Louise has also completed The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award—a scheme set up by Prince Philip in 1956 to encourage young people to gain skills that will help them in life, education, and work. She said in the documentary that, “I’d always wanted to do it because of the skills you develop as a result.”
She continued: “There was certainly an element of making my grandfather proud and honouring him by taking part in the award that has been so much of his life’s work. I definitely hope I have made him proud.
“My favourite part was my expeditions. Just having that level of independence and self sufficiency and having that sense of achievement when it was finished.”
