With an age gap of 14 years between her and her next cousin, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise has always been something of a 'lonely' figure in the Royal Family.

Peter and Zara, Harry and William and Beatrice and Eugenie are all much closer in age. They're all parents entering, or already middle aged, while Louise is still at university.

However, Sophie and Edward's daughter has quietly been forging her own path in The Firm, and it's certainly started to pay off.

Just last week, she had been working as an event organiser at the Royal Windsor Horse Show - and was pictured wearing a hi-vis vest while helping her father Prince Edward with directions.

Officials praised the 'hard-working' royal and said she was a 'real asset' to the team, while royal fans have long admired her down-to-earth nature and passion for carriage driving, which she shared with the late Prince Philip.

Indeed, Lady Louise has never put a foot wrong, and if King Charles is looking for extra pairs of hands to assist with royal duties in the future, he could do no better than his youngest niece.

It's a position that Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie can now only dream of. Tainted by their parents' association with Jeffrey Epstein, it's unlikely that Charles will be turning to either of them in the near future - although he is said to remain privately very supportive of his two nieces.

There are also intriguing signs that Lady Louise has developed a bond with Kate - who is known to keep her distance from the York sisters.

Last week she was seen wearing a royal hand-me-down from the Princess of Wales herself - a Holland and Cooper jumper Kate wore for her appearance on CBeebies.

Louise, who is currently a student, even went to the same university as William and Kate, and is in the fourth year of her English Literature at St. Andrews University.

The royal couple have long held a fondness for Louise, who was a bridesmaid at their 2011 wedding.

And when William becomes King, he would be well prepared with one of the Royal Family's most treasured 'secret weapons' at his side.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, PR expert Riley Gardiner said she is likely to be trusted by the heir.

'Lady Louise is increasingly seen as one of the more dependable younger royals mostly because she's managed to avoid the drama and public controversies that have affected other parts of the family, and that kind of consistency builds trust over time,' he explained.

'Prince William has always seemed focused on protecting the monarchy’s reputation and keeping the institution stable, so people who are discreet, measured, and media-safe are likely to become especially valuable to him.

'Louise also projects a more grounded image than many younger royals. She's largely stayed away from celebrity culture, keeps a low public profile, and appears comfortable balancing royal duty with a normal life.

'That creates the impression of somebody who understands the importance of the institution without trying to make herself the centre of attention.'

And the fact that she hasn't got a royal title could actually serve her well, Riley added. 

'Her lack of a major royal title could actually strengthen the trust William has in her because it allows her to operate with less public pressure and fewer expectations while still maintaining close family ties,' he shared.

'A future King William is expected to continue pushing a slimmed-down monarchy, which means he may prefer trusted relatives who can support key causes and appearances without becoming permanent full-time working royals.

'Louise’s position gives her flexibility. She can step in when needed without attracting the same level of scrutiny that comes with senior titles.

'There's also a PR advantage there in having respected family members who appear to support the Crown out of loyalty rather than status or entitlement.'

The Prince's cousin has long been revered by outside commentators, with many also praising her interests in horses and the military. 

Lady Louise now frequently partakes in equestrian competitions and has driven her beloved grandfather's ponies as a way to keep his memory alive.

She will participate in the Meet of the British Driving Society on the final day of the event, with Edward and Sophie expected to attend in their role as president and vice-president of the show. 

Mr Brooks-Ward said the Duke and Duchess 'invest a lot of time in the show' that has become a cherished Royal Family tradition.  

Louise, who is frequently referred to as The Firm's 'dark horse', has also often been compared to the late Monarch, particularly due to their shared love of horses.

Lady Louise is seldom seen at royal events with her family as she prioritises her studies and keeps a lower profile - but as she's set to be considering a career in the military, her nickname as The Firm's 'secret weapon' may soon materialise.

Last November, it was reported that Lady Louise has 'fallen in love' with army cadets alongside her university degree at St Andrews - much like her father did a generation earlier.

A source told The Sun: 'She talks about being very keen on a career in the military, serving the King and country. She is all about the Army Cadets and has fallen in love with it.'

If the 22-year-old royal, who has maintained a low profile during her university days, goes down the military path, she will be the first female royal since her late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, to do so.

Commenting on their similar nature, royal biographer Ingrid Seward previously told the Daily Mail: 'There are shades of the young Elizabeth. There is something about her – a capability.

'She’s obviously a very gentle young woman.'