A charming new photograph of Princess Charlotte has been released to mark her 11th birthday today. Shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales' official social media account, the stunning portrait gives a rare insight into the life of the young princess.
The photograph shows her remarkable likeness to her father, Prince William, with her similar facial features frequently commented on by the public. Her long, flowing hair, meanwhile, is more reminiscent of her mother Kate, who has traditionally taken charge of her children's birthday snaps in recent years.
It is the second new photo of the princess that royal fans have been treated to in recent days, after the Waleses shared a touching family snap to mark their 15th wedding anniversary on Wednesday. That shot saw Charlotte sharing a smile with her younger brother Prince Louis and her mother as the family enjoyed themselves lying in the sun.
Line of Succession and Royal Role
Charlotte is third in line to the throne and set, one day, to be Princess Royal, following in the footsteps of her great aunt, Princess Anne - and many think she would be a natural successor to the role. Because of changes in 2013 to the rules concerning the order of succession that mean male heirs are no longer prioritised above female heirs, Charlotte, born in 2015, became the first British princess to rank above a younger brother.
To mark her tenth birthday, the Waleses released this portrait of Charlotte, windswept and grinning at her mother. On her first birthday, William and Kate released an adorable snap of her pushing a trolley of bricks.
Her full name is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana and she was born in the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London, at 8.34am on May 2, 2015, weighing a very healthy 8lb 3oz.
Public Life and Personality
At such a young age she already has a legion of fans, in part thanks to her seemingly effortless decorum on the global stage. She has already won hearts by frequently taking charge of her brothers at public events, especially her younger sibling Prince Louis, who turned eight on April 23. But she lives a largely private life thanks to the protection of her parents, attending Lambrook School undisturbed.
When her parents have spoken about her, they have painted a picture of any other 11-year-old - with a love of dancing and Taylor Swift. The youngster is a keen ballet dancer and enjoys making friendship bracelets - famously styling one for Prince William with the word 'papa' on it.
Last week the couple shared a new photo of the young prince captured by Prince William and the Princess of Wales's trusted photographer Matt Porteous during the family's Easter getaway to Cornwall this month.
Previous Birthday Portraits
Last year, Charlotte's portrait saw a turn away from the traditional floral dresses and carefully arranged hair, with a photograph of the youngster on a family outing. Windswept, wearing a backpack and leaf-patterned coat, she smiled broadly at her mother in a more casual snap that gave a peep behind the curtain of the princess's outgoing, nature-loving side.
On her ninth birthday the Waleses released an image taken by Kate which saw her daughter displaying her cheeky grin and flowing blonde hair. The year before, Charlotte was shown embracing the family's beloved dog Orla. And to mark her eighth birthday, two official pictures were released, showing her with the family's beloved cocker spaniel, Orla.
Family Dynamics and Character
Princess Charlotte has previously been described by insiders as the royal family's 'secret weapon', taking on the role of a 'boss' at home who is not afraid to speak her mind. Royal historian Marlene Koenig told US Weekly 'Charlotte rules the roost' at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, adding '[Kate] describes Charlotte as 'independent and the one in charge.'
Last year her father William revealed how the straight-talking youngster made him shave off his beard when she disapproved.
Recent Public Appearance
Princess 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 as they were spotted walking out of the service while holding hands. They also wore coordinated outfits, with Catherine opting for a cream two-piece suit from Self-Portrait with a brown leather handbag and matching heels. Her ensemble was complemented by Charlotte's camel-coloured coat with brown velvet accents which she paired over a pretty white dress with a delicate pair of black pumps.
