Lady Louise Windsor and James Viscount VII: Queen Elizabeth II’s Beloved Grandchildren

Lady Louise Windsor, aged 17, and James Viscount VII, aged 13, hold a special place in the heart of Queen Elizabeth II.

They were the first members of the royal family to visit the Queen and Prince Philip at Balmoral last summer, after the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Accompanied by their parents, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, aged 56, and Prince Edward, aged 57, the family resides at Bagshot Park in Surrey, just a stone's throw away from Windsor Castle.

This proximity has allowed them to spend quality time with their grandparents over the years.

In an exclusive joint interview with The Telegraph, the Earl and Countess of Wessex opened up about their experiences following the passing of Prince Philip in April.

They shed light on their family dynamics and the close bond they share with the Queen.

During the interview, Camilla Tominey, the royal editor of The Telegraph, mentioned the grief that the Wessex family has been coping with.

She described their conversation, which took place at their historic mansion, as they prepared to pick up their children from school.

The couple expressed how they often expect to see “Grandpa” arriving in his Greenland Rover Freelander, a testament to the Duke's enduring presence in their lives.

As regular visitors to Windsor Castle, which is a mere 15-minute drive from Bagshot, the Wessex family has spent countless weekends exploring Windsor Great Park, under the watchful eye of its former ranger.

Their familiarity with the castle and surrounding areas has solidified their position as cherished guests.

Sophie, in particular, revealed that her family often extends their stays when visiting the Queen at one of her rural residences.

This gesture can be seen as a clear indication of their favored status.

Sophie humorously remarked, “The poor Queen has had to put up with us staying on much longer than anybody else in Scotland and Norfolk.”

Lady Louise Windsor shared a special bond with her grandfather, who taught her the art of carriage driving.

Since his passing, she has found solace in the sport and is determined to carry on his legacy.

Sophie recounted a recent training session where she and her daughter keenly felt the Duke's absence.

Standing there, Sophie expected him to provide guidance or simply inquire about Louise's progress.

Both Louise and James seem to have inherited their grandmother's love for horses and the great outdoors.

The teenagers found solace in nature during the challenging times of lockdown.

Sophie explained that when tensions arose within the household, she would encourage them to step outside, knowing that the change in environment would alleviate the mood.

Louise would often take her bike for a ride, while James displayed self-motivation to explore the outdoors.

Sophie acknowledged that there were moments when they all felt down, but the family's surroundings served as a reminder of their good fortune.

She expressed empathy for those living in less fortunate circumstances, stating, “My heart goes out to people in that situation, sitting in an apartment, you know, in a tenement block.”

Louise and James have captured the Queen's heart with their genuine affection for Balmoral.

Louise, in particular, has become a favorite grandchild, closely followed by James.

A royal source disclosed that Louise endeared herself to everyone during a visit by taking care of Prince William and Kate's children.

Her artistic talents shone through as she patiently encouraged Princess Charlotte to draw pictures of rabbits and deer.

As a result, the Queen granted Louise the privilege of perusing Queen Victoria's Highlands sketches, which are housed at Balmoral but seldom accessed.

In a deliberate choice, Sophie and Edward decided to raise their children without HRH styles, prince, and princess titles.

When Louise and James turn 18, they will have the freedom to decide whether or not to utilize these titles.

Louise will reach this milestone in November, marking an important moment in her life.

Lady Louise Windsor and James Viscount VII continue to grow in the affection of their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Their close bond, shared interests, and cherished moments spent together have solidified their place as beloved grandchildren within the royal family.