Lady Louise Windsor takes the reins with beloved by side

Lady Louise Windsor, daughter of Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie, competed in a carriage driving event in West Sussex on Sunday, August 2.

The 22-year-old was unexpectedly joined by the one she holds dear as she took the reins, a moment that reminded royal fans of her late grandfather amd grandmother's lifelong love of horses and racing.

Following her University of St Andrews graduation last month, Louise was back behind the reins over the weekend for her first carriage driving competition of the season.

The young royal, who takes after her senior royals, in her love of the sport, competed in the Glebe Estate Carriage Driving Trials.

While teh royal showed off her skills in the Dressage, her rarely-seen boyfriend Felix da Silva-Clamp, whom she met during her university studies, proudly supported his beloved girl from the sidelines. He was quietly cheering her on.

Felix was present to support her first carriage driving competition of the season, keeping a low profile appearance in a cap and sunglasses.

Sara Howe, a carriage driving trainer who sees Louise out competing, previously told HELLO! that Lady Louise and her "lad" are "just lovely".

"He's always been very supportive, but also leaves her alone to get on with the job," she added.

Lady Louise was pictured mid-competition in her traditional tweed attire, including a formal tie and a helmet for safety. It was a successful day for the royal, who finished fourth in the Novice Pony class.

Lady Louise has carried on Prince Philip's legacy. He took up carriage driving after he gave up polo when he was 50. Though he retired from competing in 2003, teh late royal continued to drive a carriage into his 90s.