Prince William is reportedly making “big plans” for the future of the monarchy, including considering the possibility of adding more working royals to the fold. 

However, one member of the Royal Family seems to have her own ideas about the path she wants to take—Lady Louise Windsor.

At 21 years old, Lady Louise is the cousin of Prince William and the daughter of Prince Edward and the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie. 

Much like William and his wife, Kate, Louise is currently a student at the University of St. Andrews, 

the same institution where William and Kate first met, which places her in close proximity to the future King and Queen. 

Despite their shared royal connections, Louise has chosen a quieter, more private life compared to other members of the family.

From birth, Louise and her younger brother, 17-year-old James, Earl of Wessex, had the opportunity to use the HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) title. However, their parents, Prince Edward and Sophie, chose not to bestow it upon them, opting instead for a more down-to-earth upbringing that steered clear of the royal spotlight. As a result, both Louise and James have avoided the public life often associated with royalty and have remained largely out of the public eye.

When Louise turned 18, she was offered the title of “Princess” but has yet to formally take it. This decision has sparked speculation about whether she has plans to distance herself from the official royal duties and pursue a more independent path, despite being part of the royal family. 

However, reports from the *Scottish Daily Express* suggest that Prince William is considering making Louise and James working royals. This would mean that the siblings would take on official duties, participate in public engagements, and receive funding from the Sovereign Grant, just like other working members of the royal family. This idea comes as part of William’s vision for a more active and engaged monarchy, with the younger generation playing a more significant role in the family’s royal obligations.

Both Louise and James are currently 15th and 16th in the line of succession, respectively, due to their father, Prince Edward, being the youngest son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. When they were born, it seemed unlikely that they would be called upon as working royals, as the family’s priorities at the time focused on the more immediate members of the royal household. As a result, Louise and James were given the opportunity to grow up away from the constant public scrutiny that often comes with royal life.

King Charles, who became monarch after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, has been keen on reducing the number of working royals, which he referred to as a “slimmed-down monarchy.” This was part of an effort to reduce the public costs associated with the Royal Family. However, recent events have highlighted the challenges of having fewer working royals, especially with the increased workload required for the remaining members, many of whom are getting older.

The average age of the working royals is currently 69. However, when excluding Prince William and Kate, that average age rises significantly to 77. This has become an issue, especially as both the King and Princess Kate had to take a temporary break last year for health reasons, which highlighted the need for more younger royals to step in and assist with public engagements. The departure of Prince Harry and Meghan from royal duties has further strained the number of available working royals.

Princess Anne has also voiced her concerns about the concept of a “slimmed-down monarchy,” saying it’s not a strategy she agrees with, particularly now that there are fewer family members to carry out royal duties. She pointed out that the idea came about when the royal family had more members, making it easier to share the responsibilities.

While Louise’s mother, Sophie, has said in the past that it is “unlikely” her children would use the HRH title, it remains uncertain whether she and James would be willing to take on more royal responsibilities. Given Louise’s preference for a private life, it’s unclear whether she will be open to joining Prince William’s vision for a more active monarchy or whether she will continue to chart her own course, remaining a royal figure without engaging in the traditional duties associated with the role.

As discussions about the future of the monarchy continue, it will be interesting to see how Louise and James navigate their roles within the royal family and whether they will take up a larger presence in the public eye.

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