Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and her eldest daughter Lady Louise Windsor, 20, are typically the picture of grace and sophistication. However, that doesn’t mean the royals don’t know how to have fun!
The Duchess, 59, took part in a cheeky drinking game during the Sandringham Horse Driving Trials over the weekend in Norfolk. And her husband Edward, Duke of Edinburgh managed to capture the entire thing on film.
He and the couple’s eldest daughter Lady Louise have possibly never laughed so hard, watching Sophie’s antics.
The Duchess was meant to down a glass of sparkling water as she drove the carriage and then set the glass down at the next stop. Well, at one point, Sophie didn’t manage to drink her bubbles in time. So next thing you know, she was left, hilariously, driving her carriage while gripping the wine glass with her teeth.
Sophie eventually finished the course, leaving her smiling for yet another reason. Earlier, she was crowned the new president of the Sandringham Horse Driving Trials.
Lady Louise also competed in events over the three-day competition. And, of course, mum Sophie was there, watching and cheering her on the entire time.
The event is extra special to the royals. Lady Louise’s late grandfather Prince Philip founded the Sandringham trials in 1982. It’s held every year the weekend after Royal Ascot.
However, this is only the most recent heart-warming moment mum and daughter have shared. Here, we take a closer look at their beautiful bond and sweetest memories over the years.
A BEAUTIFUL BOND: THE DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH AND HER DAUGHTER
01
Welcome to the world, Lady Louise Windsor
Lady Louise was born from an emergency C-section on November 8th. Being born four weeks premature, she developed a rare visual impairment leaving her with a squint that made it challenging to see well. But she ended up having surgery to correct the issue.
For mum Duchess Sophie, Louise’s health challenge was an opportunity. Thanks to her daughter, she dove in to support others around the world with similar problems.
The royal became a patron of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. She is also a global ambassador for Vision 2020 who’s on a mission to eliminate avoidable blindness over the next five years.
At an event, Sophie said, “I have seen sight being restored. And I can promise you there are few things more rewarding in this world than seeing someone step from the dark into the light.”
02
Trooping the Colour 2009
Mum and a smiling and saluting Louise enjoy a royal outing at Trooping the Colour.
From a young age, Lady Louise’s royal responsibilities have been balanced, with a strong focus on having a normal childhood. It’s a balance that Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh was instrumental in maintaining.
That has meant Lady Louise, who is currently a student at St Andrew’s University, has remained largely out of the spotlight, except for some major royal events like this.
03
The Unibet EuroHockey Championships 2015
The mother-duo love a good sporting match. It’s so sweet and refreshing to see them let their hair down once in awhile.
04
The Wild Place Project at Bristol Zoo 2016
Sophie and Louise crouched down to feed the ring-tailed lemurs during a visit to the zoo in 2016. Louise always in her riding boots, of course!
05
Sailing in 2018
Sophie looks on as Louise helms ‘Donald Searle’ – an Ocean 75ft Ketch Yacht during an Association of Sail Training Organisation’s sailing day in Gosport, England.
06
The Royal Windsor Horse Show 2018
Duchess Sophie and Louise look happy as can be at the Horse Show! Carriage driving is a sport they both have long been passionate about.
Some say that Louise ‘inherited’ the passion from her late grandfather Prince Philip. In fact, she often wears an equestrian brooch on her riding jacket as a tribute to him.
07
Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee 2022
Mum and daughter attend the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathaedral in London looking pretty in pink!
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