Lady Louise Windsor had a very special supporter at her carriage driving competition in West Sussex on Sunday, 2 August.
Following her University of St Andrews graduation last month, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's daughter, 22, was back behind the reins over the weekend for her first carriage driving competition of the season. The young royal, who takes after her late grandfather, Prince Philip, in her love of the sport, competed in the Glebe Estate Carriage Driving Trials.
While Lady Louise showed off her skills in the Dressage, Cones and Marathon disciplines, her rarely-seen boyfriend Felix da Silva-Clamp, whom she met during her university studies, proudly watched from the sidelines.
See all the best photos of Lady Louise in her element and her supportive boyfriend quietly cheering her on.
© Kelvin BruceLady Louise was pictured mid-competition in her traditional tweed attire, including a formal tie and a helmet for safety.
It was a successful day for the royal, who finished fourth in the Novice Pony class.
© Kelvin BruceFelix was seen supporting his partner for her first carriage driving competition of the season, keeping a low profile appearance in a cap and sunglasses.
Sara Howe, a carriage driving trainer who sees Louise out competing, previously told HELLO! that Lady Louise and her "lad" are "just lovely".
"He's always been very supportive, but also leaves her alone to get on with the job," she added.
© Kelvin BruceThe royal showed off her skills in the sport as she expertly steered the carriage.
Lady Louise has followed in her late grandfather's footsteps and is an accomplished carriage driver, competing regularly in competitions.
© Kelvin BruceLady Louise had carried on her late grandfather's legacy. Prince Philip took up carriage driving after he gave up polo when he was 50.
Though he retired from competing in 2003, Philip continued to drive a carriage into his 90s.
His granddaughter appears to have inherited his passion and commitment to the sport.
© Kelvin BruceSara Howe, who owns and runs the Bradbourne Riding & Training Centre in Sevenoaks, sees Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth's youngest granddaughter out at competitions. She exclusively told HELLO! in February that Louise is "doing extremely well".
"I think she's doing extremely well with the time and the commitment of everything else she has to do," Sara said. "She's a pleasure to work with."
© Kelvin BruceSpeaking of the royal's hard work, Sarah remarked: "She's earned it. She generally has that touch and that feeling and take away all the [titles]. I think she's earned her spot, and she'd be mortified if anybody turned around and said she's got it because she's been given it."
© Kelvin BruceLady Louise was accompanied by a person sitting in the back of the carriage, called a backstepper, who is there to help with navigation and balance.
© Kelvin BruceThe royal was smiling behind the reins as she looked well and truly in her happy place.
Louise has been carriage driving since making her debut in 2017 at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
© Kelvin BruceWhile she wore her traditional uniform for the competition, Lady Louise was seen in casual attire before the event kicked off.
© Kelvin BruceThe royal showed off her sporty style in a cap, white shirt and a pair of colourful shorts.
Who is Lady Louise's boyfriend?
Felix has cheered on Lady Louise at two recent major milestones this year. He supported his partner last month when she received her Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award.
Lady Louise received her award from none other than her father, Prince Edward, who is the Duke of Edinburgh and is patron of the award, set up by Prince Philip in 1956. The young royal was also joined for the momentous occasion at Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh by her mother, Duchess Sophie.
Felix, who is also a student at the University of St Andrews, was also present at Lady Louise's university graduation ceremony in July.
