Latest news with #HorseDrivingTrials
Sky News AU
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'So cute': Lady Louise Windsor's rumoured Australian boyfriend Felix da Silva-Clamp 'wins over' Duchess Sophie at prestigious Sandringham event
Lady Louise Windsor's rumoured boyfriend, Felix da Silva-Clamp, is seemingly off to a strong start with her family, most notably her mother, Duchess Sophie, after joining the pair at a high-profile event over the weekend. The 21-year-old royal and her Australian companion, 20, were seen attending the Sandringham Festival of Carriage Driving on June 29, where Lady Louise competed in the prestigious Horse Driving Trials. The annual event, held on the grounds of the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, was established by her late grandfather, Prince Philip, and has long been one of Louise's great passions. In photos from the day, Louise, who is 16th in line to the throne, can be seen sharing laughs with Felix, dressed in her smart riding attire while he opted for a relaxed but neat look in chinos, boots, a button-down shirt, and a cap. Felix was also photographed chatting comfortably with Sophie, 60, who wore a flowing red dress and sneakers as she cheered on her daughter from the sidelines. The duo stood alongside Penny Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten, a close friend of the late Duke of Edinburgh and a fellow carriage driving enthusiast. After pictures from the event surfaced, royal fans quickly flooded social media with comments about the rumoured romance. "They look so cute," one user wrote on Instagram, while another said: "It looks like Felix has won over Sophie too!" It is not the first time Felix and Louise have made a joint appearance at the royal event. Last year, the pair were seen looking "very comfortable together" with Hello! reporting that Louise even took him for a spin in her carriage. "They were chatting and looking at each other all the way around," an onlooker said at the time. "They went for a couple of walks together in between her two events as well, they are clearly very close." Felix also appeared to get the seal of approval from the Duchess back then, joining her and Prince Edward, 61, to watch Louise compete. "Felix and the Duchess looked very at ease with each other," the onlooker added. "They turned up in the car just 10 minutes before Louise's first event and watched her eagerly." In May, a new picture of Louise and Felix was taken with a large group of friends at the University of St Andrews, where they are both studying. It is believed the couple met at the Scottish institution around two years ago after being cast in the same student theatre production. Felix was born in 2004 and raised in Melbourne before moving to the United Kingdom for university. Alongside his studies, he works as a "gelato artist" at Jannetta's Gelateria in St Andrews, where one of his colleagues described him to Hello! as "a lovely person". A palace insider revealed to the Daily Express last year that Louise, who is currently undertaking a four-year English degree, has been contemplating a study-abroad year at Macquarie University in Sydney. This would allow her to spend more time with Felix's relatives in Australia. "The next academic year is going to be an important one for Louise," the source said. "She is exactly halfway through her degree course and this is the point where students decide whether they want to study abroad or remain in Scotland."
Mint
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Lady Louise reunites with university friend Felix and mum Duchess Sophie at Sandringham trials
Lady Louise Windsor was seen at Sandringham on Friday, taking part in the annual Horse Driving Trials - an event founded by her grandfather, Prince Philip. According to Hello Magazine, the royal was joined by her mother, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and close university friend Felix da Silva-Clamp. Louise looked focused and confident as she guided her carriage. It's a sport she's been passionate about since her teenage years. The connection goes beyond just competition. Carriage driving is something she shared with her grandfather. Prince Philip introduced the sport to Sandringham in 1982. It became a tradition. And Louise has helped keep it alive. On Friday, that bond was clearly visible. Competing on the same grounds where her grandfather once did, Louise seemed both calm and assured. Felix, who met Louise at the University of St Andrews, was seen watching from the sidelines. Dressed in a smart yet relaxed outfit, he appeared fully engaged in the moment. He and Louise have been spotted together before, often at informal settings. He later chatted warmly with Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. The two were seen smiling and speaking between events. Sophie greeted other guests as well, clearly enjoying the sunny outing. The Duchess has spoken before about her daughter's love for carriage driving. She's supported Louise's decision to continue in the sport Prince Philip cared about so deeply. Louise wore a beige overcoat and gloves. She completed her look with a black helmet, practical for the event but also adding a smart finish. Her appearance came weeks after she skipped Trooping the Colour in London. Her parents were present, but Louise and her younger brother James stayed away. Her absence was said to be linked to her academic calendar. Now in her third year studying English Literature, Lady Louise is focused on her university life. She's involved with the University Officers' Training Corps and is said to be active in other campus circles. St Andrews has long been a favourite among young royals. Prince William and Princess Kate both studied there. For Louise, the event at Sandringham was more than just sport. It was about family, memory, and carrying forward a legacy she clearly values. As she drove across the field, with her mother and friend close by, it was a picture of quiet tradition continuing in its own way. Lady Louise holds the title of 'Lady' because her parents chose not to use the HRH style granted to her at birth. Princess Beatrice's father is the King's brother, and her royal title was used formally from birth, unlike Lady Louise whose parents opted for a more private upbringing. Lady Louise was born with esotropia, a condition that affects eye alignment, which was later corrected through surgery.
