Let's be honest: Lady Louise
Mountbatten-Windsor is a deep cut, as far as royals go — but what do we
actually know about Prince Edward's daughter? If Lady Louise seems to be totally different
from her royal cousins, that might just be because she is. As the 13th in line to the
British throne, the young aristocrat is not exactly the highest-ranking member of the royal
family. One of the biggest factors separating Louise from some of her more famous cousins is
that she doesn't hold the title of "princess." Interestingly, it has been suggested that Louise actually had the opportunity to become a
princess — but decided against it. In 2020, the aristocrat's mother, Sophie, Duchess
of Edinburgh, told The Sunday Times: "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." After Sophie made these comments, royal fans
awaited Louise's 18th birthday with anticipation. As the day grew closer and closer, people began
to speculate that Louise would become a princess, while others assumed she would simply
maintain the status quo. In the end, Louise's titles did not change, leading some
royal experts to question whether she had been given the right to choose at all. As historian
Marlene Koenig {KOH-nig} told The Express, there is "no precedent" for young
royals to choose their own titles. One benefit to Louise's status as a minor royal
is the fact that she does not have to "work" for the Firm. Nevertheless, more and more people
would like to see the young aristocrat take a larger role in palace life. Several social
media users have shared their opinions on the matter. According to Hello! magazine, one
of Louise's enthusiastic supporters wrote: "I hope Lady Louise and her brother decide
to be working royals after uni {YOO-nee}." Another chimed in: "Her Uncle Charles needs to make Lady Louise a
working royal. She is poised, smart and elegant!" Interestingly, casual fans are not the
only ones who want to see Louise take on a bigger role. In fact, at least one royal
expert has seemingly expressed enthusiasm for the idea. On an episode of the podcast "The
Royal Beat," former Mail on Sunday editor, Kate Mansey, shared her opinion that Louise
would make a fantastic working royal. "I think there might be a role, in the way that
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie play a role." Nevertheless, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor's
potential as a working royal does not mean that she necessarily wants to be one. While there
is still no way to know how Louise feels about this possibility, her body language could
leave us with a hint or two. According to nonverbal communication specialist Judi James,
Louise does not seem too keen on following in her parents' royal footsteps. Speaking to The
Express about this matter, James revealed: "Louise hasn't used some of the more traditional
rituals of royalty like the royal smile, and this has always suggested that she plans
to take the option of a more normal life." In James' view, the reason for Louise's
apparent hesitation to take the royal route could have something to do with
her more timid personality. As the body language expert noted in her interview
with The Express, Louise has a history of shyness — which could still be propelling
her away from the limelight. James said: "Her shyness signals have diminished and
recently, although she has shown no signals of any desire to seek the spotlight she looks
relatively comfortable when she is in it." That being said, the young
aristocrat's body language does still demonstrate the ability to
grow into a leader. As James put it: "She projects an intelligent and calming
presence with what looks like leadership traits." Of course, Louise might well have
another career in mind. In particular, the young aristocrat is not afraid to get her
hands dirty — literally. Louise spent her last summer before heading off to St. Andrew's
University toiling away at a garden center, where she was likely earning a minimum wage.
It's believed that her responsibilities included greeting customers, pruning
the plants, and tilling the soil. While those of a previous generation
might not believe it appropriate for the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth to
perform manual labor, many royal fans found Louise's work life to be refreshing.
As one satisfied customer told The Sun: "She is a really modest and sweet young woman who is polite and attentive to customers.
She seemed to be loving the job."
