Sophie’s little Lady Louise picked as royal bridesmaid

By Elizabeth Sanderson
Last updated at 11:03 AM on 13th February 2011
Ecstatic: Louise was the first bridesmaid chosen by Kate Middleton and Prince William
Ecstatic: Louise was the first bridesmaid chosen by Kate Middleton and Prince William
Prince Edward’s seven-year-old daughter Lady Louise Windsor is said to be ‘beside herself with excitement’ after being asked to accompany Kate Middleton down the aisle as her bridesmaid.
It is an opportunity for her to fulfil every little girl’s dream and a Palace source said: ‘Lady Louise is ecstatic.’
In the past Prince Edward and wife Sophie have been reluctant to allow Lady Louise to be photographed because she was born with exotropia, a rare condition which causes a divergent squint.
But they now realise she will have to become used to public life and as a Royal bridesmaid she will become, for one day at least, one of the most photographed girls in the world.
The source added: ‘William and Kate made the decision together.Sophie has been very helpful to Kate, advising her on all the do’s and don’ts of Royal life. She has been a real ally.
'Sophie and Edward are both really pleased to see how happy this has made Lady Louise. She really is the loveliest, kindest, little thing.
‘Edward and Sophie have always been terribly protective of her but she is now at school.
‘They know she is going to have to get used to being in the limelight..
‘And you couldn’t deny her this chance. It is the perfect age to be a bridesmaid – not too old to be intimidated or embarrassed. She is so, so excited and they are all going to look terribly sweet walking down the aisle.’
It is possible to operate in an attempt to correct squint caused by exotropia, but it is understood that Edward and Sophie decided against the course of treatment, which would require a general anaesthetic with all the risks that entails.
Protective parents: Prince Edward and Princess Sophie have rarely allowed their daughter to be photographed due to her rare optical condition
Protective parents: Prince Edward and Princess Sophie have rarely allowed their daughter to be photographed due to her rare optical condition
The condition meant Lady Louise was not included in her younger brother Viscount Severn’s official christening pictures three years ago.

KATE WANTS A HOME IN DIANA'S PALACE


Kate Middleton has been to view Princess Diana’s old apartment at Kensington Palace in her search for a London home.
But although she was impressed with the size of the home, she has set her heart on Princess Margaret’s old apartment, No 1A.
The palace is currently undergoing a £12 million refurbishment and it is understood that a number of designers, including a close friend of the Beckhams, have been consulted about 1A.
A source said: ‘Kate loves the fact the palace is close to all her favourite shops but is still private.’
A spokesman for the couple said: ‘They genuinely haven’t decided.’
But she was the first bridesmaid to be chosen by Prince William, 28, and 29-year-old Kate.
It is believed the Royal couple have also asked Viscount Linley’s eight-year-old daughter Margarita to accompany her, along with Grace Van Cutsem, the three-year-old daughter of William’s friends Rose Astor and Hugh Van Cutsem.
It is almost certain that Kate’s younger sister Pippa, 26, will be maid of honour at the wedding on Friday, April 29, bringing the total number of bridesmaids to four – one less than Princess Diana had at her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981.
Viscount Linley’s 11-year-old son Charles is expected to be a pageboy, along with Sam Chatto, the 14-year-old son of Viscount Linley’s sister Sarah Chatto and artist Daniel Chatto.
The source added: ‘It might be a global event but William and Kate still see this as a proper family affair.
'They don’t want to offend anyone and don’t want to leave anyone out.’