The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh‘s children do not use their royal titles – but an expert has claimed they could still be the Royal Family‘s future ‘secret weapons’.
Lady Louise Windsor, 22, and James, Earl of Wessex, 18, appear to quietly but earnestly support the King with their dedication to studies – according to author Phil Dampier, speaking to the Daily Mail.
James seems to be following in green-fingered Charles’s footsteps and is off to study at the Royal Agricultural University.
Meanwhile, Louise has recently graduated from St Andrews. She also enjoyed a double date with her boyfriend Felix and parents Edward and Sophie out at the theatre last weekend.
Slowly but surely they seem to be stepping into more public appearances – and Phil says ‘they could turn out to be the royals’ secret weapons at a time when they need fresh legs’.
It’s an important point for William to consider when keeping the future of his monarchy in mind – especially with the unexpected return of Harry and Meghan.
It is understood the Sussexes will remain non-working royals but the future is not yet clear for their children Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five.
But until it is understood what the future holds for their roles within the Firm, the Prince of Wales has a reliable young pair of hands to be by his side and help guide his own children George, 13, Charlotte, 11, and Louis, eight.
Louise recently enjoyed a double date with her boyfriend Felix and parents Edward and Sophie at the theatre, meeting the cast of INALA after watching the performance
James (pictured with his mother Sophie) will be off to study at the Royal Agricultural University
‘I think Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex both come across as charming and intelligent royal family members and seem well-rounded and down to earth,’ he explained.
‘That’s a testament to their parents who have tried to give them a normal childhood as far as that’s possible when you are in the line of succession.
‘The big question is whether either of them wants to join “The Firm” and become working royals or pursue private careers and interests.
‘At the moment it looks as though James wants to become a farmer as he’s off to agricultural college having spent the summer working on the farm at Sandringham courtesy of the King.
‘And Louise is to take a gap year, possibly travelling, having just graduated.
‘The biggest problem facing the monarchy in my opinion is that with the former Prince Andrew off the scene, as well as Harry and Meghan, they have become too slimmed down.’
Phil said there is certainly room for more of a youthful presence in the firm.
‘The King is battling cancer, Queen Camilla is 80 next year, Princess Anne has just turned 76, and so everything is resting on William and Catherine until their three children grow up,’ he shared.
‘In recent years they have been ably supported by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, but will they want their children to follow in their footsteps or go their own way?
‘If I were William I would want to try and encourage them to at least take up some of the slack and perform some royal duties.
‘He and Catherine, who of course has had her own cancer fight, can’t do everything.
‘I’m sure that mum Sophie would only want what is best for her children.
‘After all, she nearly died giving birth to Louise, and her happiness is the most important thing to her.
‘Both Louise and James could take titles and be a Prince and Princess, but they have not done this so far, and they may prefer to stay out of the limelight.’
While he believes Edward and Sophie will not put needless pressure on their children, there ‘was just a hint that they may be gently nudging them into the spotlight the other day when they posed up with Louise and her boyfriend Felix da Silva-Clamp on a visit to the theatre’.
‘They met and fell for each other at St Andrews University, just like William and Catherine, so there must be something in the Scottish air!’ Phil added.
‘Felix was sitting proudly in the front row when Louise graduated recently when she was photographed with her parents and he made an appearance on a royal Instagram post so he is clearly now firmly in the fold.
‘A couple of weeks ago he was seen supporting her as she took part in the Glebe Estate Carriage riding trials where she finished a respectable fourth in the novice pony class.
‘It’s a sport she loves and she inherited her enthusiasm for it from her beloved grandfather Prince Philip.
‘If Felix gets an invite to stay at any royal residences, say Balmoral in the summer, or Sandringham at Christmas, we will know the romance is heading into serious territory!
‘Certainly Edward and Sophie would be delighted if Louise finds happiness, and they are said to be “very fond” of Felix.
‘As for James he has been described as Britain’s most eligible bachelor, and friends tell me his seemingly shy exterior hides a feisty character with a ready wit.
‘Louise was in the cadets at University and if she decides to join the armed forces that would obviously make her ideal material to be a working royal.
‘Only time will tell but if I were William I would be trying to get them on board for the sake of the future of the monarchy.’
However, if the Prince of Wales wants them on side, ‘he will have to get past Sophie first’.
‘She is a tough cookie and I’m sure she will want what’s best for her children,’ he added. ‘But after the recent appearance at the theatre, the signs are encouraging.’

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