Queen granted 'favourite' grandchild access to rare Royal collection at Balmoral

26 July 2023 , 08:53

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Queen granted 'favourite' grandchild access to rare Royal collection at Balmoral

The sweeping landscape of the Scottish Highlands has inspired many artists - including the royals it seems.

The late Queen Elizabeth used to spend every summer at her Balmoral estate with various family members dropping by over the course of her holiday to soak up the beautiful scenery.

Among them was her youngest granddaughter Lady Louise Windsor, the 19-year-old daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex.

It's been reported that Louise has an artistic flair and a love of drawing - so the Queen previously granted her access to a special collection of rare artwork.

A source previously told the Sun: "Because of her obvious artistic skill, the Queen allowed Louise to look through some of the collection of Queen Victoria’s Highlands sketches which are kept at Balmoral but are rarely dug out these days."

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It's also reported that Louise has tried to share her skills with some of the younger family members while at the Scottish retreat.

The source added that the Queen loved "the fact that Louise and James [Louise's younger brother] relish their time at Balmoral" and she became particularly close to Louise who "seems to have become her favourite grandchild, closely followed by James".

Louise now studies at St Andrews (Getty Images)

Louise with her parents Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (UK Press via Getty Images)

“Louise also endeared herself to everyone by looking after William and Kate’s children when they were up here," the source added.

“Louise loves drawing and sketching and was very patiently trying to get Charlotte to do pictures of rabbits and deer."

Sophie with Lady Louise in 2021 shortly after the death of Prince Philip (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Louise attended a private school in Ascot and last year started studying for an English degree at St Andrews University in Scotland.

The institution was famously where cousin Prince William met his future wife Kate in 2001.

Louise's proud mum Sophie previously talked about her daughter's schooling and hoped that she would eventually go to university.

She said: "I wouldn’t force her, but if she wants to. She’s quite clever."

Jennifer Newton