Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, born in 2003, holds the unique position of being the eldest child of Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, making her King Charles's niece.
Recently, she caught the public's attention with a TikTok video discussing a play related to her English literature degree at the University of St. Andrews. Speculation swirls around whether Lady Louise might take on additional royal duties in the future, though she still has a few years until graduation.
The possibility of her becoming a working royal remains uncertain, but there's persistent debate surrounding the potential alteration of her title.
The Letters Patent of 1917, once obscure, have now become a topic of discussion, shedding light on the intriguing prospect that Louise could one day be known as Princess rather than Lady. These documents, issued by King George V during World War I, dictate who can bear royal titles. Despite their historical significance, they are now fueling discussions about Louise's future title, raising questions about the monarchy's adherence to traditional gender norms.
In recent years, there has been a growing call to reconsider the traditional rules surrounding royal titles, particularly those that prioritize male offspring. The decision made by King George V in 1917 dictates that the children of a monarch are styled as HRH (His or Her Royal Highness) and bear the title of Prince or Princess. However, this rule primarily extends to the grandchildren of a monarch through the male line, perpetuating gender disparities within the royal family.
Queen Elizabeth II's decision in 1999 not to grant HRH status to her youngest son's children further complicates the matter. This decision, made in the aftermath of Princess Diana's death and amidst public scrutiny of the monarchy, set a precedent that continues to influence discussions about royal titles today. Lady Louise, despite being the daughter of a duke, has not been granted the HRH title, unlike her male counterparts in the royal family.
Looking ahead, as the number of active royals declines due to age and retirement, there may be increased pressure on younger members of the royal family to assume more significant duties. Lady Louise, on her 20th birthday, received attention from her cousin, the Prince of Wales, who emphasized a focused approach to social change and hinted at potential future engagements for her. Despite this, Lady Louise currently enjoys a relatively private life, free from the intense scrutiny that often accompanies royal status.
