The 'dark horse' who could be essential to Prince William when he is King

A number of key players in the Royal Family have stepped back from royal duties, including Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Andrew, with a total of 10 working members in the Firm. As the pool of working royals shrinks, it is thought Prince William will look to the younger generation and a 'dark horse' to breathe some fresh air into the monarchy.

Lady Louise Windsor, 21, is currently in her fourth year of an English degree at St Andrews University, and may take on some royal responsibilities when she graduates. Louise's parents, the Duke of Edinburgh, 61, and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh 60, are the second youngest pair in the Firm and are becoming increasingly popular.

Royal author and expert Christopher Wilson described Lady Louise as the "dark horse contender".

Wilson previously told the Daily Mail: "Public demand for the attendance of a royal to mark major and minor events up and down the country remains as high as ever.

"Prince Andrew retired in disgrace in November 2019. Harry, together with Meghan, fled the coop in 2020. The troops have left the battlefield, leaving their future commanding officer Prince William in despair."

He added: "That leaves dark-horse contender Lady Louise Windsor, who charms all who meet her and could be a decorative and useful asset to the royal team."

Beyond her studies, Louise is an accomplished carriage driver, a passion once shared with her late grandfather, Prince Philip.

Duchess Sophie previously revealed that Prince Philip was "so pleased" when his granddaughter wanted to take up the sport.

He said: "My father-in-law was always so good at encouraging, he was really encouraging of Lady Louise. So when she not only said 'please can I have a go', but then when she showed a flair for it, he was just brilliant with her."

"They used to chat away about it and he would always turn up if she was competing in the Great Park, he would always turn up to watch her and watch her training days."

William and Louise were said to share a warm relationship as she was also bridesmaid at his 2011 wedding to Princess Kate.