Lady Louise Pays Tribute to Prince Philip with Equestrian Brooch

The Royal Family came together on Tuesday to attend a memorial service for Prince Philip, the Queen's late husband.

The thanksgiving service was held at Westminster Abbey in London, where the Queen and members of the Royal Family honoured Prince Philip's dedication to family, country, and Commonwealth.

Among those in attendance were Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Anne, Sir Tim Lawrence, and the Queen and Prince Philip's youngest granddaughter, Lady Louise.

Lady Louise, who is 18 years old and 14th in line to the throne, looked sombre as she arrived at Westminster Abbey alongside her mother Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Prince Edward.

She wore a sophisticated navy blue dress with a flattering skater skirt and square neckline, layered with a royal blue cardigan.

Lady Louise accessorised her outfit with a beaded blue clutch and striking blue fascinator, adding layers of silver jewellery.

Notably, she paid tribute to her late grandfather by wearing an equestrian brooch.

The silver brooch, representing a carriage and a horse head and a hoof, was a touching nod to Prince Philip's love of carriage driving.

Lady Louise had already sported the brooch for her grandfather's 30-person funeral in Windsor last year.

Lady Louise has inherited her grandfather's passion for horse riding, particularly carriage riding, which she has taken up in recent years.

She has been given personal lessons by Prince Philip and now competes herself.

During the BBC special Prince Philip, the Royal Family Remembers, Lady Louise spoke lovingly about her shared love with Prince Philip for carriage driving.

She said, “The Duke of Edinburgh has been so involved in my driving, which has been so lovely, although slightly scary because he invented the sport pretty much.

It's incredible to have learned first hand from him.”

Lady Louise has been hailed an asset to the Royal family and appears to have inherited her mother's quiet sense of duty.

She has occasionally joined Edward and Sophie on public engagements.

The Wessex family lives in Bagshot Park, just a few miles from Windsor Castle, and is regularly pictured at Windsor Castle.

Lady Louise follows in her grandfather's footsteps to become an accomplished equestrian.

Prince Philip began carriage driving in the early 1970s and is credited with popularising the sport in the UK.

Following his retirement, he had more time to enjoy carriage driving and shared his love with his family, including Lady Louise.

He raced carriages near Norfolk before going on to represent Britain at several World and European Championships.

Ingrid Stewart, a royal author and expert, explained that Lady Louise has always been an asset to the Royal family.

“She has always been an asset to the family and very polite, which the Queen loves,” Ingrid said.

“Remember how she helped the bridesmaids on the steps of St George's Chapel as they went inside at Princess Eugenie's wedding and her skirt blew up in the wind in front of the TV cameras?

She handled it very deftly.”

On Lady Louise's bond with Prince Philip, Ingrid added, “Prince Philip took pleasure in watching Louise compete at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

I don't think he taught her himself, but he would have made sure she had some top-class tuition from one of his grooms and, of course, the availability of ponies and carriages to drive!”

Lady Louise's touching tribute to her grandfather at the memorial service is a testament to their special bond and shared passion for carriage driving.

As she continues to follow in his footsteps and compete in equestrian events, she honours his memory and legacy.