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.
She then joined other young people receiving the award from across Scotland and the north of England to hear his speech. Her proud mother, Duchess Sophie, wearing a white floral dress with bell sleeves, gazed adoringly at her daughter as she collected her award.
© Getty ImagesAfter speaking about the bronze, silver and gold DofE awards, Edward turned and pointed to his daughter, saying: "We’ve got someone else who’s actually done all three."
"Just about," she replied. The duke asked her if she had ever been given a certificate, and she explained that she had, but that they had arrived in the post.
"I did mine mainly during Covid so they didn’t really award anything, so, nice to get it now," Lady Louise added.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesAfter ushering Lady Louise across to where the other guests were stood, Edward handed her her framed DofE certificate. He said: "It’s all a bit staged, but it’s just to prove that you actually did get it."
As he gave her the certificate, he told her: “Many congratulations and very well done.”
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.
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.
© University of St AndrewsShe 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.
© University of St AndrewsThe 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.
© Getty ImagesHe 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".
© POOL/AFP via Getty Images"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."
