Lady Louise Windsor tipped to take on major role as royal celebrates 21st birthday

is tipped to in the future as the monarchy's current "slimmed-down" state doesn't leave many options as it leaves the Firm "overstretched", a royal expert has said.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's daughter, who is celebrating turning 21 today, is currently studying English at St Andrews University in Scotland.

While Lady Louise holds no HRH title, of her ending up helping the rest of the royals in one way or another, when she's out of university.

Now veteran royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams spoke about the future of the young royal and suggested a role similar to her cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie could be probably.

Mr Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk: "There will be a considerable amount of interest in Lady Louise Windsor as it is possible that she might play a role, even a peripheral role, in the activities of the royal family after she leaves the University of St Andrews where she is studying English.

"She has no royal title and her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, never originally intended that she should carry out royal duties.

"However the idea of a slimmed down Royal Family was always questionable, there are far fewer now to carry out royal duties and it is very possible that she might do some charitable work as her cousins Beatrice and Eugenie, who do use HRHs, periodically do."

The expert praised Louise, who has been spotted several times competing at carriage-driving events in Windsor and Norfolk.

Her passion for the sport is believed to have been influenced by her grandfather, the late Prince Philip, who was also a huge fan of carriage driving and is thought to have encouraged her to try it.

Mr Fitzwilliams continued: "She is extremely conscious of her royal heritage as can be seen by the way she has taken up carriage driving, inspired by Prince Philip. She inherited his driving ponies and carriage three years ago.

"In 2020 her mother said she has had the option to use a royal title if she so wishes since she turned 18. She has a reputation for conscientiousness.

"If she did decide to do some charitable events it would be a huge bonus to an overstretched Royal Family.

"Only four working royals are under 70, so this really would be beneficial."