Lady Louise Windsor, the 22-year-old daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has surprised the British royal family and the public by announcing her engagement to longtime boyfriend Felix Daubeney in a private but deeply romantic moment that even her parents never anticipated. The news, shared quietly through a joint Instagram post and confirmed by Buckingham Palace on January 21, 2026, marks the first engagement announcement from the younger generation of royals since Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2019.

Louise and Felix, both 22, have been together since meeting at the University of St Andrews in 2022, where Louise studied English Literature and Felix pursued History of Art. Their relationship remained almost entirely out of the public eye—rare appearances together were limited to family events or casual outings in Windsor Great Park. Unlike many young royals who face intense scrutiny, Louise has always maintained a remarkably low profile, often described by those close to her as “deliberately private” and focused on her studies, equestrian pursuits, and charity work with the Carriage Driving Association.

The proposal took place during a quiet weekend at Bagshot Park, the family home of Prince Edward and Sophie. On the evening of January 18, Felix reportedly led Louise on a lantern-lit walk through the estate’s private gardens, stopping at a small gazebo overlooking the lake where they had shared their first kiss three years earlier. According to close friends who spoke anonymously, Felix dropped to one knee under the stars and presented a vintage diamond ring once belonging to his late grandmother—an elegant solitaire with a simple platinum band. Louise accepted immediately, and the couple spent the rest of the night talking quietly before returning to share the news with Edward and Sophie the following morning.

Prince Edward and the Duchess were reportedly “delighted but genuinely surprised.” Sophie later told a close confidant that “we knew they were serious, but we never expected this so soon.” The couple’s decision to keep the relationship and engagement private until the announcement reflects their shared desire for normalcy. Louise has often spoken of wanting a life “as ordinary as possible,” and Felix, whose family owns a small estate in Gloucestershire and has no public profile, has supported her wish to avoid the media glare that has followed other young royals.

The engagement ring itself became a point of quiet fascination. Vintage experts noted its Art Deco-inspired design and estimated value in the low six figures, but its sentimental significance far outweighed any monetary worth. Louise chose not to wear it publicly during the announcement, opting instead for a simple silver band—a gesture friends say symbolizes her wish to “keep things real” even as she steps into a more visible role.

The announcement post was understated: a single black-and-white photograph of their intertwined hands, Louise’s ring visible, captioned simply, “Forever starts today. 💍 With love, Louise & Felix.” Within minutes, the post received millions of likes and comments from well-wishers, including messages from Prince William, Catherine, Princess Anne, and Zara Tindall. King Charles III issued a personal statement expressing “great joy” at the news and his “warmest congratulations to Louise and Felix on their engagement.”

Public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media users praised the couple’s discretion and authenticity, with many noting that Louise’s low-key approach feels refreshing compared to the highly publicized romances of other royals. “She’s proof you can be royal and still live privately,” one viral comment read. Others highlighted the generational shift: Louise and Felix represent a younger cohort choosing substance over spectacle, privacy over performance.

The engagement also marks a significant moment for Prince Edward and Sophie, who have long prioritized raising their children away from intense media attention. Louise and her brother James, Viscount Severn, were brought up with unusually normal childhoods—attending local schools, participating in youth theater, and avoiding the relentless paparazzi that followed William and Harry. Edward and Sophie’s decision to shield their children appears to have paid off: both have grown into grounded, thoughtful young adults.

Wedding plans remain private, with sources saying the couple hopes for an intimate ceremony in the summer of 2026, possibly at St George’s Chapel in Windsor or a family estate in Scotland. No official date has been set, and the palace has confirmed there will be no formal announcement until closer to the time. Louise is expected to continue her postgraduate studies and charity work, while Felix plans to join a London auction house specializing in fine art.

This engagement arrives at a time when the royal family is navigating public expectations around modernization and relevance. Louise’s choice to announce quietly, without a staged photoshoot or magazine exclusive, signals a continuation of the more restrained approach favored by her parents. Yet the genuine emotion behind the moment—Felix’s sentimental ring, Louise’s whispered acceptance under the stars—reminds the public that royal love stories, when kept private, can still carry profound magic.

For a young woman who has spent her life deliberately out of the spotlight, Lady Louise Windsor’s engagement feels both inevitable and surprising. It is a celebration of quiet love, family values, and the courage to choose authenticity over performance. In a world that often demands spectacle from royals, Louise and Felix have reminded everyone that sometimes the most powerful announcements are the simplest ones—two hands intertwined, a promise made under the night sky, and a future built on mutual respect rather than public display.

The British public, often hungry for royal romance, has responded with warmth and restraint, respecting the couple’s wish for privacy while quietly celebrating a new chapter. As wedding whispers begin and summer plans take shape, one thing is clear: Lady Louise Windsor’s love story is unfolding exactly as she wants it—on her own terms, with grace, dignity, and deep joy.