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Sophie and Edward's daughter Louise makes rare appearance

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She may have been there primarily to take in the equestrian action with her parents the Earl and Countess of Wessex, but there was little doubt what Lady Louise's favourite aspect of the Windsor Horse show was. The five-year-old squealed with delight as she joined mum Sophie on a carousel ride at the event.

Clad in frog wellies, the youngster - who is apparently very fond of the amphibians and loves frog turning into prince stories – was obviously enjoying the fun day out at the horse show's Great Park venue with her 17-month-old brother James, Viscount Severn.

Louise's parents have been careful to shield their little girl from media attention, and she's rarely included in public engagements. A family get-together at the five-day event in her royal grandmother's back yard provided a perfect opportunity for the toddler to spend some time with her nearest and dearest, though.

The Queen was on sunny form after one of her horses performed well in the Ridden Mountain and Moorland class. Her face wreathed in smiles, the royal matriarch strolled the site holding an armful of rosettes. Prince Philip was also on duty, tasked with judging the carriage driving category.

Sophie and her husband's desite to keep their daughter out of the spolight stems from the eye problem which has affected Lady Louise since her premature birth in 2003. She was born with extropia - a rare condition which causes a squint - and her parents have reportedly been concerned to shield her from media interest.

"For a while there was a worry that Louise's sight would be very badly affected. And she does have some difficulties, but nothing that has hampered her from being a very happy little girl," a family friend tells the Daily Mail "She loves ballet and has her own little pony, so the horse show would be bliss for her."

Photo: Rex
The five-year-old royal took a spin on the carousel ride with her mum Sophie at the Windsor Horse show at the weekend
Photo: Rex
The family day out with her little brother James, Viscount Severn – who spent most of the time in the arms of dad Prince Edward – was a rare public appearance for the little girl

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