The British royal family is celebrating two significant achievements for Lady Louise Windsor this week, as the late Queen Elizabeth II's youngest granddaughter graduates from the University of St Andrews and receives a prestigious award from her father.

Lady Louise, 22, officially graduated on Thursday with a degree in English and International Relations after completing a four-year course at the renowned Scottish university . The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh traveled to Fife to witness their eldest child cross the stage and receive her degree .

In a show of family support, the Royal Family shared a congratulatory message on social media, writing: "Congratulations to Lady Louise on her graduation from St Andrews University!" . The post featured photographs of the smiling graduate in her academic gown alongside her proud parents.

Lady Louise, who is 17th in line to the throne, follows in the footsteps of her older cousin Prince William and his wife Catherine, both of whom also attended St Andrews University . She achieved the highest A-Level results of any royal family member, earning four A* grades before beginning her university studies in 2022 .

Rather than immediately pursuing a permanent career, the young royal plans to take a gap year combining work, volunteering, and travel before exploring her future professional options .

A Family Legacy Continues

The celebrations continued on Friday when Lady Louise received her Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award from her father, Prince Edward, during a special ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh . The event held particular significance as it falls during the 70th anniversary year of the award scheme, which was founded by her late grandfather Prince Philip in 1956 .

Prince Edward, who became Duke of Edinburgh following his father's death, presented his daughter with her framed certificate during an informal gathering in the palace's West Drawing Room . He told her: "Many congratulations and very well done" .

The moment carried added emotional weight, as Edward himself received his Gold Award from Prince Philip 40 years ago at St James's Palace . Sharing a memory of his own ceremony, Edward had previously recounted how his father handed him the certificate before saying, "Well, since I've given you that one, I'll give you the rest," and passed the entire bundle for Edward to distribute .

Lady Louise, who completed her award requirements primarily during the pandemic, joked that receiving the certificate in person was especially meaningful since her achievements previously arrived by post .

Lady Louise was one of more than 600 young people honored at the celebration . Her boyfriend, Felix da Silva-Clamp, whom she met at university, also attended the ceremony alongside her mother Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh .

Following the presentation, Edward addressed the assembled recipients and their families in the palace gardens, encouraging them to "walk a few inches taller" and take pride in their accomplishments .