Royal fans have noted that Princess Charlotte is beginning to resemble her father, Prince William, after a charming new photograph was released to mark her 11th birthday. The young royal has often been compared to a young Queen Elizabeth II, but the latest image has shifted perceptions.
Comparison to Queen Elizabeth II
As she has grown up, Charlotte has repeatedly been likened to her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. In 2021, a family portrait from a secret trip to Jordan sparked a frenzy, with many noting the then-six-year-old's uncanny resemblance to the late monarch. Similarly, in 2020, the Christmas card from the Prince and Princess of Wales, featuring their children on haystacks, led to comparisons.
New Photo Sparks William Comparisons
However, the release of her latest birthday photograph has prompted many to see her father's features. On social media platform X, one user wrote: "Oh my gosh! William's genes are expressing themselves at 11! Happy Birthday, Charlotte!" Another remarked: "She really does look like William." A third added: "Omg! She is the image of her father." Others commented: "She is looking more like her daddy every year" and "Princess Charlotte looks so much like her father Prince William."
The photograph, shared on the official account of the Prince and Princess of Wales, shows Charlotte smiling broadly, dressed in a black and red jumper and blue jeans, surrounded by flowers and trees. It was taken by family photographer Matt Porteous during their Easter getaway to Cornwall last month. The accompanying message read: "Wishing Charlotte a very happy 11th birthday!" with a birthday cake emoji.
Growing Resemblance and Family Traits
While many noted her resemblance to William, her long, flowing hair is reminiscent of her mother, Kate, who has traditionally taken charge of the children's birthday photos. This is the second new photo of Charlotte in recent days, following a family snap for the Waleses' 15th wedding anniversary on Wednesday. In that shot, Charlotte shared a smile with her younger brother, Prince Louis, and her mother while lying in the sun during their Cornwall trip. In today's photo, she can be seen wearing the same ivy blue nail varnish as in the family shot.
Charlotte is third in line to the throne and is expected to one day become Princess Royal, following her great aunt, Princess Anne. Due to changes in succession rules in 2013, she became the first British princess to rank above a younger brother. Her full name is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, and she was born on May 2, 2015, at St Mary's Hospital in London, weighing 8lb 3oz.
Charlotte's Role and Personality
At a young age, she has already gained a legion of fans, partly due to her decorum on the global stage. She often takes charge of her brothers at public events, especially Prince Louis. Insiders have described her as the royal family's "secret weapon" and a "boss" at home who is not afraid to speak her mind. Royal historian Marlene Koenig told US Weekly that "Charlotte rules the roost" at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, adding that Kate describes her as "independent and the one in charge." Last year, Prince William revealed that Charlotte made him shave off his beard when she disapproved.
Charlotte's last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, when she joined senior royals for the traditional service at St George's Chapel in Windsor. She put on a sweet mother-daughter display with Princess Catherine, walking out holding hands and wearing coordinated outfits. Catherine opted for a cream two-piece suit from Self-Portrait with a brown handbag and matching heels, while Charlotte wore a camel-coloured coat with brown velvet accents over a white dress and black pumps.
