Lady Louise misses King Charles’ birthday parade after last year’s event

Lady Louise was noticeably absent from the Royal Family’s appearance at Trooping the Colour on Saturday, as celebrations took place for King Charles’s official birthday.

The 21-year-old royal did not join her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, for the annual event a sharp contrast to last year, when she made a poised appearance alongside the wider royal family.

Also missing was her younger brother, James, Earl of Wessex.

The siblings' absence follows a growing pattern in recent months, as both have stepped back from royal engagements to focus on their academic commitments. 

With university life taking priority, Lady Louise has remained largely out of the public eye this year, even skipping May’s VE Day commemorations.

Now in her third year studying English at St Andrews University in Scotland, the 21-year-old is currently focused on her final exams, which began on May 10 at the prestigious institution.

St Andrews University holds a special place in royal history it’s where the Prince and Princess of Wales famously met in 2001. Now, it’s also where Lady Louise is carving out her own quiet path.

Beyond her English studies, Lady Louise has thrown herself into campus life. She’s an active member of the university’s Officers’ Training Corps, where she’s taken part in basic weapons training and leadership development.