The Queen and her late husband Prince Philip welcomed four children, who have gone on to welcome two children each. And to add to what is undoubtedly already a very long Christmas list, the Queen has also become a great-grandmother to 11 (and soon to be 12) great-grandchildren in recent years, with Princess Beatrice expecting her first baby this year.

       The Queen's youngest son, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, has two children with his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

       Lady Louise Windsor, 17, is the couple's eldest child, and James, Viscount Severn, 13, is their youngest.

       Although Louise and James were entitled to be known as Princess and Prince as the children of the monarch's son, they are instead known formally as Lady and Viscount.

       When Louise and James were born, it was announced they would hold titles reflecting that they are the children of an Earl rather than a Prince.

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       The Queen has spent a lot of time with her youngest grandchildren over the years, as they don't live too far away from Windsor Castle.

       And although the Queen has never acknowledged if she has "favourites", there has long been speculation on the subject.

       Royal author Phil Dampier told Fabulous: “Lady Louise is definitely a favourite of the Queen and I can see her having an important role in the Royal Family in the future.

       “Her Majesty sees a lot of Edward and Sophie and their children at Windsor Castle as they live nearby at Bagshot Park.

       “The Queen is very close to her mother Sophie and of course there has always been a bond between them because Sophie nearly died giving birth and Louise has had her eye condition to cope with.

       “But she has grown into a lovely and intelligent young woman and the Queen adores her.”

       Mr Dampier added that the Queen may be "closer" to Louise and James because they are not considered working royals.

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       He explained: “In many ways the Queen is closer to Louise and her brother James because they are just family and don't yet have major roles.

       “Harry and Meghan have left of course and William and Kate live in Norfolk much of the time, and are busy with their duties.

       “So she sees the Wessex family more in relaxed times.”

       The Wessex home of Bagshot Park is just a few miles away from the Queen's Berkshire residence of Windsor Castle.

       And earlier this year, Louise was spotted horse riding with Prince Edward around the grounds of the castle.

       The Queen is known to adore horses, and Louise appears to share her grandmother's interest in all things equestrian.

       Louise has previously taken part in carriage driving events, a beloved pastime of her late grandfather, Prince Philip.