Lady Louise has reached a major milestone in royal family news. The 22-year-old daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, graduated from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland with a degree in English on July 2. According to People, the young royal was announced as Louise Mountbatten-Windsor rather than by her title during the ceremony. The moment also tied her to one of the most famous university connections in the monarchy, as Prince William and Kate Middleton both studied at the same Scottish university.
Lady Louise Completes English Degree in Scotland
The graduation marked the end of Lady Louise’s studies after she began university in September 2022. Photos released for the occasion showed her posing alone and with her parents after the ceremony. She also wore the university’s traditional graduation outfit as she crossed the stage. Her years at St. Andrews were largely kept out of the spotlight, allowing her to follow a quieter path through student life. That approach mirrored the privacy Prince William once had during his own time at the university.
Prince William and Kate Share the Same University Link
The St. Andrews connection adds another layer to Lady Louise’s place within the wider royal family. Prince William attended the university years earlier and met Kate Middleton there in 2001, making the campus part of a well-known chapter in royal history. Louise’s graduation now places her among the school’s royal alumni. While her public profile is far lower than that of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the family link gives the occasion added significance within coverage of the British monarchy.
Prince Edward and Sophie Mark a Proud Family Moment
Prince Edward and Sophie were by their daughter’s side for the celebration, appearing with her in newly released portraits from the day. The family moment comes during a busy week in Scotland for the royals. Lady Louise is also set to receive her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award from her father at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The award carries special meaning because it traces back to her late grandfather, Prince Philip, who founded the program in the 1950s to help young people build skills and set goals.
Sophie Explained Why Her Children May Work for a Living
Lady Louise’s next step is expected to be a gap year before she considers career options. That fits with the path her parents long imagined for their children, who are not working royals. "We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living. Hence, we made the decision not to use HRH titles. They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but I think it’s highly unlikely," Sophie told The Sunday Times. Louise and her brother James have so far stayed with that lower-key approach.
