Lady Louise Windsor is joined by her boyfriend as she receives ultimate honour from dad Prince Edward after her graduation


Lady Louise Windsor joined the Duke of Edinburgh ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse after her graduation from St Andrews on Thursday


A close-up photo of Lady Louise and her boyfriend© Getty Images
Eleanor Dye
Eleanor DyeOnline Royal Correspondent
1 hour ago
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Lady Louise Windsor has received her Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award – from none other than her father, Prince Edward

Wearing a pale blue dress with floaty sleeves, she was also joined by her rarely-seen boyfriend, Felix da Silva-Clamp, whom she met during her studies at the University of St Andrews. 

Lady Louise, 22, who is King Charles's niece, beamed proudly as she received her framed certificate at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh from her father, who is the Duke of Edinburgh and is patron of the award, set up by Prince Philip in 1956. 

WATCH: Lady Louise graduates from St Andrews

She then joined other young people receiving the award from across Scotland and the north of England to hear his speech. 

A photo of Lady Louise and Prince Edward  holding a certificate© Getty Images
Lady Louise's father, the Duke of Edinburgh, presented her with the award

Her proud mother, Duchess Sophie, wearing a white floral dress with bell sleeves, gazed adoringly at her daughter as she collected her award. 

The gold award is the highest level of the youth opportunity programme, also available in bronze and silver, consisting of a mixture of physical expeditions, volunteering, and skills. 

A photo of Duchess Sophie looking a Lady Louise Windsor © POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Duchess Sophie was beaming with pride for her daughter, Lady Louise

Lady Louise's graduation

It comes after Lady Louise officially graduated from the University of St Andrews on Thursday, and was also joined by her proud parents. 

Lady Louise Windsor was joined by her parents, Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward, in her official graduation photos© University of St Andrews
Lady Louise Windsor was joined by her parents, Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward, in her official graduation photos

She beamed alongside Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward in her graduation portraits, wearing the graduation gown and white shirt, while holding her scroll.

She has been studying for a Bachelor's degree in English and International Relations at the Scottish institution for the past four years and has now wrapped up her studies. 

Lady Louise in her official graduation photos© University of St Andrews
Lady Louise in her official graduation photos

The royal family sent their best wishes with a post on the monarchy’s official social media, reading: "Congratulations to Lady Louise on her graduation from St Andrews University!" 

She will now be taking a gap year, working, volunteering, and travelling, according to Buckingham Palace. Officials said they wouldn't be commenting on her future career aspirations, but she's not expected to become a working royal in the future. 

Who is Lady Louise's boyfriend, Felix da Silva-Clamp?

Felix was also present at Lady Louise's graduation and is also a student at the University of St Andrews, the same higher education establishment where Prince William met Kate, now the Princess of Wales. 

A photo of Lady Louise and her boyfriend in Scotland© Getty Images
Lady Louise was joined by her boyfriend Felix da Silva-Clamp

He has previously been seen supporting her at her carriage driving competitions alongside Louise's younger brother, James, Earl of Wessex. 

Sara Howe, a carriage driving trainer who sees Louise out competing, previously told HELLO! that Queen Elizabeth's youngest granddaughter and her "lad" are "just lovely".

A photo of Lady Louise laughing in a group of people© POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Lady Louise was beaming with her gold award

"He's always been very supportive, but also leaves her alone to get on with the job," Sara shared.

Although "they've got their own privacy," Sara noted that Louise and Felix "certainly aren't put out on a pedestal and that nobody can go anywhere near them. They're totally the opposite from that."

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