Lady Louise's secret nod to King as she makes surprise Trooping of the Colour appearance
Lady Louise Windsor joined her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, to celebrate the official birthday of her uncle the King.
Lady Louise paid a touching tribute to the King as she made a surprise appearance at Trooping the Colour on Saturday.
Louise, a second-year student at the University of St Andrews, had missed last year's celebrations and was not expected to join this year.
But royal watchers were surprised when she was spotted riding a carriage with mum Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh to observe the ceremony at Horse Guards Parade.
Eagle-eyed royal fans also praised her for a little nod to her uncle King Charles as she donned the same dress she wore last year for his Coronation.
The pure Italian silk dress by luxury brand Suzannah London retails for £1,290 is a tribute to the "relaxed glamour of the 1970s, with a fitted bodice, fluid skirt, and soft billowing sleeves."
The gown was created in collaboration with French botanical photographer Rachel Levy, who took photographs of the iris flowers used to inspire the fabric design.
Lady Louise later joined her parents and other working members of the Royal Family for the traditional Buckingham Palace balcony appearance and to watch the Red Arrows's flypast.
However, her appearance sparked speculation as most of her non-working royal cousins have been routinely excluded from the custom.
Royal commentator Cameron Walker suggested the decision to include Louise in the event could be rather "significant".
Commenting on Louise's presence at Trooping the Colour, the GB News royal editor said: "I think that perhaps speaks volumes that she is part of this procession."
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As the descendant of the late Queen Elizabeth II in the male line, Louise was previously entitled to be styled HRH Princess Louise of Wessex – which reflected her father's official title when she was born.
She would now be allowed to be known as HRH Princess Louise of Edinburgh, with her parents saying in the past it would be up to her and her brother James, the Earl of Wessex to decide.
In the past, the Duchess of Edinburgh said she and Prince Edward had wanted to make sure Louise and James knew from a young age they would likely have to work regardless of whichever title or style they held.
Sophie said: "We try to bring them up with the understanding that 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 it’s highly unlikely."
