The Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward have taken steps to prepare their two children for a future outside the working Royal Family, according to royal author Sean Smith.
Speaking exclusively to GB News, Mr Smith said he was confident there would be no expectation placed on Lady Louise Windsor, 21, or James, Earl of Wessex, 17, to take on official roles in the monarchy.
He explained: “I think Sophie – and Edward – have been careful to prepare their children for a life outside the working Royal Family. I am confident that there will not be any pressure on Louise and James.”
Lady Louise is currently studying at the University of St Andrews, while James continues his education at school.
‘No pressure’ on Lady Louise Windsor as she shapes future away from royal duty
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Neither undertakes public engagements, in line with the approach taken by their parents, who have made it clear that both should have the freedom to pursue their own careers.
Their upbringing has been deliberately low-profile, with Sophie once describing family life as "very normal".
Mr Smith described Louise as a unique figure among her royal cousins. “Louise is the only young woman of her age in the Royal Family, and I am sure she will be a great success at whatever she decides to do,” he said.
He added: “It’s too soon to speculate, but that won’t stop us all doing so.”
Lady Louise is not a working royal | GETTY
The comments highlight the different path being shaped for the children of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh compared with that of the Prince and Princess of Wales’s children, who are expected to take on future roles as working royals.
George, Charlotte and Louis are being prepared for lives in the spotlight, whereas Louise and James have been largely shielded from public attention.
Louise, who is known to share her father’s love of carriage driving, has occasionally joined the Royal Family at high-profile events, including the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and state funeral in 2022.
James, who inherited the title Earl of Wessex after Edward became Duke of Edinburgh in 2023, has been even less visible, attending family occasions but remaining outside the spotlight.
Lady Louise has shown a keen interest in potentially joining the military | PALATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Lady Louise is currently a student at the University of St Andrews in Scotland | PAMr Smith said Sophie and Edward’s decision reflects a broader shift within the monarchy as the pool of working royals narrows.
By managing expectations for their children, the couple are ensuring Louise and James can pursue independent futures free of royal obligation.
Sophie: Saving the Royal Family by Sean Smith is available now in hardback, eBook and audio, priced at £25.