While the British Royal Family faced multiple controversies this year, many linked to King Charles III’s brother, Prince Andrew. One historic royal scandal quietly resurfaced, shedding new light on a long-forgotten chapter of royal history.
Hidden within archival records is the story of Princess Louise. She was a royal whose defiance of convention and forbidden love led to personal tragedy. Historians now argue that her life bears striking parallels to that of Princess Diana. Another royal who challenged tradition and paid a heavy personal price.
Princess Louise, the mother of Prince Albert and mother-in-law to Queen Victoria, has largely been erased from mainstream royal history. Her story is now being re-examined in A Royal Outcast: The Life and Scandal of Princess Louise. This new book is by historian Dr Ulrike Grunewald.
Speaking to The Mirror, Dr Grunewald described her reaction upon discovering Louise’s fate. She said the princess’s life story was deeply unsettling. Moreover, it immediately reminded her of Diana, Princess of Wales. According to the author, Louise’s experiences of scandal, secrecy and heartbreak continue to shape the modern House of Windsor. These influences are subtle but lasting.
'A Royal Outcast: The Life and Scandal of Princess Louise, Prince Albert's Mother' by Ulrike Gunewald, reveals the hidden history of the ‘great-grandmother of Europe’, whose story was written out of history to save the reputation of her son. Read this exclusive excerpt, where… pic.twitter.com/NwwVzYr3Zj
— Tatler (@Tatlermagazine) November 22, 2025Much like Diana, Princess Louise was known for her warmth, charisma and independence. Often described as an unconventional royal, she resisted the rigid expectations placed upon women of her era. She refused to submit to the romantic ideals imposed by society. Dr Grunewald notes that Louise possessed an iron will and a strong sense of personal agency. These traits set her apart within the royal court.
At the time, Louise’s husband believed his social standing entitled him to take mistresses. This double standard echoes more recent royal history. King Charles III’s long relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles, which began during his marriage to Diana, is frequently cited as a modern parallel.
While Diana’s affairs were widely publicised and often framed as a response to marital unhappiness, Princess Louise faced similar accusations. She was alleged to have had a relationship with a young courtier. The claims ignited a major scandal and ultimately led to her social isolation.
Louise’s son Albert was just five years old when his parents separated. This marked the beginning of a tragic unravelling that pushed the princess to the margins of royal life. Unlike later royal scandals, her story was quietly buried rather than confronted. Consequently, her legacy was largely forgotten for more than a century.
