The Royal Kids Living a Normal Life: Inside Lady Louise and James Wessex’s Childhood

Lady Louise Windsor and her brother, James Earl of Wessex, are not your typical royal siblings.

While they are the grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II, their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, have made deliberate choices to provide them with a childhood that feels refreshingly ordinary.

Unlike many of their older royal cousins who often find themselves in the limelight, Lady Louise and James make rare but meaningful public appearances.

In an insightful interview with The Times, Duchess Sophie shared her thoughts on raising their children away from the pressures of royal life.

She painted a picture of a family that enjoys simple pleasures—like attending friends' parties and going for dog walks on weekends.

“I suppose not everyone's grandparents live in a castle,” she remarked, emphasizing that the essence of their lives is not defined by their royal lineage.

For them, the title of “grandmother” is all that matters when they're with the Queen.

Interestingly, despite their royal bloodline, Louise and James have chosen to forgo the titles of His or Her Royal Highness.

This decision stems from their parents' desire to nurture a sense of normalcy in their lives, allowing them to grow up with the understanding that they may need to earn a living like anyone else.

Duchess Sophie elaborated on this approach in a previous interview, highlighting their commitment to a grounded upbringing.

At 21, Lady Louise is currently pursuing her studies at Testandrus University in Scotland, the same institution where Prince William and Princess Kate first crossed paths.

Even though she doesn't hold a working royal title, she still participates in select royal events.

For instance, she was spotted on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the King's coronation last year, alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Additionally, she joined her mother in a carriage ride for this year's Trooping the Colour ceremony, showcasing her connection to royal traditions.

The Wessex family resides in Bagshot Park, located just 11 miles from Windsor Castle.

Their home is conveniently close to Adelaide Cottage, where the Prince and Princess of Wales live.

This proximity fosters a sense of family, allowing their children to maintain connections with their royal relatives while enjoying a more down-to-earth lifestyle.

One of Lady Louise's passions is horseback riding, a cherished activity within the royal family.

She has developed a genuine love for the sport, which was nurtured by her grandfather, the late Prince Philip, who taught her how to drive a carriage.

In 2019, she even showcased her skills at the prestigious Windsor Horse Show, proving that royal heritage can blend seamlessly with personal interests.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jenny Bond pointed out that Louise and James have role models in their cousins, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, who have successfully carved out their own paths without relying on royal titles.

This sets a precedent for the younger generation, suggesting that they too can pursue their dreams independently.

Looking ahead, Jenny speculated about James' future, suggesting he might explore educational opportunities before deciding on a career path.