Lady Louise Windsor’s Boyfriend Supports Her at Carriage Driving Competition Following College Graduation

Lady Louise Windsor is embracing both her academic achievements and her lifelong passion for horses, with her long-rumored boyfriend, Felix da Silva-Clamp, firmly by her side. The 22-year-old daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, competed in her first carriage driving competition of the season over the weekend, marking a significant moment as she transitions into post-university life.

Louise participated in the Glebe Estate Carriage Driving Trials in West Sussex on Sunday, August 2. Da Silva-Clamp was present to cheer her on, offering quiet support as she navigated the course. Photos published by Hello! magazine captured the couple’s close bond, showing da Silva-Clamp smiling warmly as he watched Louise compete. In a nod to their shared interests, he was seen wearing the same Royal Windsor Horse Show baseball cap that Louise had been photographed in earlier before changing into her formal competition attire.

A Romance Rooted in St. Andrews

Reports about the relationship between Louise and da Silva-Clamp have gained traction over the past year. The pair met as students at the University of St. Andrews, following in the footsteps of Louise’s cousin, Prince William, and his wife, Kate Middleton, who also met at the Scottish institution. According to Hello!, the couple forged a deeper connection after being cast in a university play together.

Da Silva-Clamp has become a familiar face at Louise’s equestrian events. He supported her at several carriage competitions last summer, and those who know the couple describe them as a grounded and supportive pair. Sara Howe, a carriage driving trainer who frequently sees the pair at events, told Hello! that they are “just lovely” together.

“He’s always been very supportive, but also leaves her alone to get on with the job,” Howe shared, highlighting the respect da Silva-Clamp shows for Louise’s focus and professionalism during competitions.

Honoring Prince Philip’s Legacy

Lady Louise’s dedication to carriage driving is deeply personal. She inherited her love for the sport from her late grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who was a renowned enthusiast and competitor in the discipline. Prince Philip not only taught Louise’s mother, Sophie, how to drive but also passed down his knowledge and passion to his granddaughter.

Following his death in 2021, Prince Philip left his prized ponies and carriage to Louise, a gesture that underscored the special bond they shared. For Louise, competing is not just a hobby but a way to honor his memory and continue a family tradition. Her participation in the Glebe Estate trials comes just months after she took part in the Pol Roger Meet of the British Driving Society at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May 2026.

Life After Graduation: A Path Outside the Royal Spotlight

The recent competition follows a major milestone for Louise: her graduation from the University of St. Andrews last month. During the ceremony, she was announced as “Louise Mountbatten-Windsor” rather than using her royal title, a choice that reflects her parents’ desire to raise their children with a sense of normalcy and independence.

At the time of her graduation, da Silva-Clamp was also present to support her when she received the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award from her father, Prince Edward, at a ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

Louise is expected to take a gap year after graduating before exploring further career opportunities. Neither she nor her younger brother, James, Earl of Wessex, chose to publicly adopt their royal titles or HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) styling upon turning 18, despite it being their birthright as the youngest grandchildren of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

This decision aligns with the philosophy of her parents, who have consistently emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency. “We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living,” Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, told The Sunday Times in 2020. “Hence, we made the decision not to use HRH titles. They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but I think it’s highly unlikely.”

Royal biographer Sean Smith noted to GB News that Prince Edward and Sophie have been careful to prepare their children for a life outside the working royal family. With King Charles III on the throne and Prince William as the heir apparent focusing on core royal duties, Louise and James are not expected to take on major public roles.

This approach mirrors that of Princess Anne, who opted not to give her children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, royal titles at birth. “I think it was probably easier for them, and I think most people would argue that there are downsides to having titles,” Anne told Vanity Fair in 2020. “So I think that was probably the right thing to do.”

As Lady Louise steps into this new chapter of her life, balancing her personal passions with a potential career outside the palace walls, the support of her partner and family remains a constant. Whether behind the reins of a carriage or walking across a graduation stage, she continues to carve out her own path with grace and determination.