King Charles’ Rarely Seen Niece, 20, Appears in Reworn $1,725 Dress, Drawing Divided Reactions

Lady Louise Windsor turned heads at her uncle King Charles III’s birthday parade with her chic dress. Netizens quickly weighed in with their thoughts about her repeated fashion ensemble captured in photos.

Lady Louise Windsor, daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, graced the Trooping of Colour in London for her uncle, King Charles III’s birthday celebration. Louise captured public attention with her fresh look, standing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

The 20-year-old royal’s blonde hair was elegantly styled into a low bun, topped with a light blue hat adorned with flowers and feathers. Charles’s niece completed her look with pearl earrings and a necklace with a blue pendant.

Louise wore a pure silk Kumiko dress by Rachel Levy, currently priced at $1,725. This style reflected the relaxed glamour of the 1970s, featuring a tailored bodice, flowing skirt, billowing sleeves, side pockets, and a smocked waist.

When photos of Louise’s appearance emerged on social media, netizens expressed mixed reactions. One pointed out, “A mature look beyond her beautiful youth.” Some questioned her style choices, “Why is a young girl being dressed like she’s 90?”

An unimpressed user suggested Louise should opt for clothes that suit her age, “Frumpy outfit- she’d look so much better dressing age appropriate [sic].” A different user echoed the sentiment, “Such an old fashioned look for a young girl [sic].”

Amidst the critiques, some offered more complimentary views of the young royal. One commented, “She is Beautiful and very ordinary.❤️❤️❤️” while a royal supporter gushed, “She looked absolutely stunning.”

Some comments highlighted Louise’s inherent elegance and grace. “Still looks gorgeous , it’s not the dress. It’s her presence, and demeanour classic like her mum , [sic]” one admirer noted.

Another remarked, “She looks lovelier every time she puts in an appearance.” A final commenter shared, “There is such a quiet elegance to Lady Louise. She is the best mix of her parents.”

Louise’s stunning appearance at the Trooping the Colour was not new. She had previously worn the same floral dress during the King’s coronation in May 2023, standing with her family on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

On that occasion, Louise complemented the dress with a white purse, beige heels, and a round light blue hat with ribbons. Her wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders, embodying a blend of royal poise and her affinity for floral beauty.

This affinity for floral patterns seems to reflect Louise’s interest in nature, which became evident when she took a summer job at a garden center after turning 18.

According to The Sun in August 2022, Louise worked there during the summer, earning a near-minimum wage while waiting for her exam results from St. Andrews University. She helped with tills, pruned and potted plants, and greeted customers, surprising them with her presence.

One shopper expressed surprise to be served by a royal, noting her modesty and attentiveness, “I couldn’t believe it was Lady Louise — I had to look twice. She is a really modest and sweet young woman who is polite and attentive to customers. She seemed to be loving the job.”

Another customer shared that the garden center staff adored her, adding, “It’s not every day you buy your begonias off a royal.”

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, praised Louise at the time, for taking the job before heading to university, noting that the young royal rolled up her sleeves and got her hands dirty just like any other teenager.

Interestingly, Louise’s hands-on experience in gardening connects to her aunt Queen Camilla‘s love for horticulture. This was evident when she visited the Garden Museum last June 12, where she hinted at her desire to take over Charles’s role as the museum’s patron.

“I know my husband is the patron but, um, I might have to nudge him,” she joked. “I’d quite like to take that one away from him because it’s such a special place that every time I’m asked, I just have to come back again.”

The Queen, wearing a navy blue outfit with a matching gray purse and heels, visited the museum’s garden exhibition featuring notable female members of the Bloomsbury Set, including authors Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West.

Camilla emphasized the importance of recognizing women gardeners, who she noted are often overshadowed by men. “This wonderful exhibition celebrating women in gardening is so important, and so beautifully curated by Claudia, and I know it attracts many many visitors I’m sure it’s going to attract a lot more,” she said.

Continuing the theme of support for gardening, royal florist Shane Connolly praised the royal couple’s involvement. He noted that it was “absolutely fantastic” that both Charles and Camilla are avid gardeners, providing exceptional support and engagement.

Shane, who created the floral displays for the King”s Coronation and Charles and Camilla’s 2005 wedding, said the royal couple believes gardening is for everyone and values its therapeutic benefits.

Gardener and museum president Alan Titchmarsh echoed Shane’s sentiment, expressing delight at the Queen’s enthusiasm. “We would be very happy to have the Queen and the King as patron, either or both. We just love that she loves to come,” he said.

Dressed in an all-black outfit, she joined actors like Helena Bonham Carter, authors, and members of the public. Hundreds of people gathered to celebrate literature and enjoy various activities.