Skip to main contentSkip to footer
 Lady Louise Windsor watches the Carriage Driving during the Royal Windsor Horse Show 2021© Getty

Lady Louise Windsor pictured wearing camouflage for military exercise after revealing dream aspiration

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's daughter is at university

Danielle Stacey
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
January 20, 2025
Share this:

Lady Louise Windsor looks set to be the first female royal to serve in the military since her late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

It was revealed last year that the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's daughter had joined the St Andrews' University Officers' Training Corps (UOTC).

In pictures published by The Sun, the 21-year-old is seen on a military exercise, wearing combat fatigues, camouflage paint on her face and holding a helmet that appears to be emblazoned with her surname 'Windsor'.

According to the newspaper, Lady Louise has had basic weapons training, leadership lessons and a course in navigating tough terrain under pressure.

The young royal is said to have fit the training in around her studies for her English degree.

Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Lady Louise and Duchess Sophie's sweet mother-daughter moment

Last summer, it was also reported that Lady Louise, who is 16th in line to the throne, had stated on her LinkedIn page: "I am interested in pursuing a career in the military, diplomacy, or law." 

Lady Louise joined her family for Christmas© Getty
Lady Louise joined her family for Christmas

Prince Edward and Sophie's children – who also include 17-year-old James, Earl of Wessex – are not expected to carry out full-time royal duties once they have completed their education.

Lady Louise is in the third year of her English degree at St Andrews University in Scotland, having enrolled in 2022.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Lady Louise Windsor and the Princess Royal, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, following the Trooping the Colour ceremony© Getty
Lady Louise balanced her training with her studies

While many students graduate after their third year at university, unless they have opted to study abroad for a year, in Scotland, a four-year course is standard.

If Lady Louise enlists in the Army after her studies, she will be the first female royal to do so since 1945 when then Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS).  

Princess Elizabeth served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1945© Getty
Princess Elizabeth served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1945

During her time in the ATS, she learnt to drive and to maintain vehicles.

The King, then the Prince of Wales, has served in the Royal Navy, like his late father,  Prince Philip, and trained in the Royal Air Force.

Meanwhile, Prince William previously was an RAF search and rescue pilot at RAF Valley in Anglesey Wales, while Prince Harry was part of the armed forces for a decade, undertaking two tours of Afghanistan.

LISTEN: The big royal events happening this year amid King Charles' ongoing treatment

ROYAL FAN? JOIN THE CLUB

Welcome to The HELLO! Royal Club, where thousands of royal fans like you get to delve deeper into the wonderful world of royalty every day. Want to join them? Just click the button below for a list of club benefits and joining information.

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best royal coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information please click here.

More Royalty

See more