Lady Louise Windsor, the 19-year-old daughter of Prince Edward, paid tribute to her late grandfather, Prince Philip, today by indulging in their shared passion for carriage driving.
Dressed in a long grey coat and donning glasses, she braved the early morning chill at Windsor Castle.
Her enthusiasm for this equestrian sport has led her to compete in carriage-driving competitions throughout the year.
With a blanket draped over her lap, she confidently took the reins, mirroring the hobby that Prince Philip held dear.
A Family Tradition of Carriage Driving
Louise Windsor, the youngest granddaughter of the late Queen, is currently pursuing her studies at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, the same institution where her cousin, Prince William, and the now-Princess of Wales met.
Her love for carriage driving is a family tradition passed down through generations. Her father, Prince Edward, also shares an affinity for this sport.
It’s believed that Prince Philip not only taught Louise the art of carriage driving but also instructed her mother, Sophie, in the skill.
Their shared love for horses and carriage driving strengthened family bonds, with the late Duke of Edinburgh leaving behind a legacy in the sport.
Prince Philip’s Dedication to Carriage Driving
Prince Philip, who had more time to dedicate to carriage driving following his retirement, played a pivotal role in establishing it as a sport in Britain.
He took up this pastime in the 1970s after retiring from polo.
In his own words, “I was looking round to see what next, I didn’t know what there was available.
And I suddenly thought, well, we’ve got horses and carriages, so why don’t I have a go?”
His passion for carriage driving led him to convene a committee of equestrian experts to develop international rules for the sport. He became a driving force in shaping carriage driving in the UK.
Even in his eighties, he continued to compete, representing Britain in numerous European and world championships.
The Sport of Carriage Driving
Carriage driving involves two or four-wheeled carriages pulled by a single horse, a tandem, or a four-in-hand team.
It encompasses various elements such as dressage, time trials, and a challenging obstacle course.
Prince Philip’s dedication to the sport was so profound that, at the age of 91, he had a dark green carriage custom-made to his specifications from aluminum and steel.
He was frequently spotted riding this carriage around Windsor and other royal estates, demonstrating his enduring love for carriage driving.
Lady Louise Windsor’s recent outing serves as a touching tribute to her late grandfather’s enduring passion, ensuring that the legacy of carriage driving lives on in the royal family.
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