The Royal Family has issued a rare statement for Lady Louise Windsor.

The daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh is celebrating her 21st birthday today amid her studies at the University of St Andrews.


The young royal does not carry out official duties despite being the niece of King Charles.

The Royal Family usually does not issue birthday messages for non-working members of the Firm, which would include Louise.

Lady Louise Windsor

Royal Family issues rare statement for Lady Louise Windsor

Getty

However, they make exceptions for milestone birthdays, which would include Louise’s 21st milestone.

They wrote on social media today: “Happy 21st Birthday to Lady Louise!”

The post was accompanied by a picture of the young royal carriage-driving, a sport in which she excels and frequently competes.

The Royal Family also does not issue birthday messages for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as the couple stepped back from public royal duties in 2020.

However, they made an exception for Prince Harry in September when he turned 40.

Louise was raised in Bagshot Park in Surrey alongside her younger brother James, Earl of Wessex, 16.

Their parents, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, tied the knot in 1999 in St George’s Chapel, Windsor.

They are two of the hardest-working members of the Royal Family, especially amid the royal health crises of 2024.

The Royal Family previously wished Prince Harry a happy 40th birthday, despite him being a non-working royal:

Lady LouiseLady Louise is a keen carriage driver after learning the skill from her late grandfather, Prince PhilipPA

In January, Princess Kate and King Charles were both hospitalised for their respective operations.

Both royals were subsequently diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment.

Sophie, 59, and Edward, 60, immediately upped their workload as Kate and Charles took time to focus on their recovery.

While the Earl of Wessex is still in school, Louise is currently studying English Literature at the University of St Andrews, and is being tipped to join the military in the future.