A former BBC royal correspondent has highlighted a "major change" in Princess Charlotte's demeanour, following the Wales family's traditional Christmas Day appearance at Sandringham. Jennie Bond said she was "struck" by the young royal's newfound confidence as she interacted with crowds without her mother's guiding hand.
A Confident Young Royal Steps Forward
On Christmas Day, hundreds of well-wishers gathered at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk to see the Royal Family walk to the church service at St Mary Magdalene. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis accompanied their parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, stopping to chat and accept gifts from the public.
While all three children appeared more assured than in previous years, it was ten-year-old Charlotte who particularly impressed Jennie Bond. "I was struck, in particular, by how confident young Charlotte seemed on Christmas Day," Bond told the Mirror. She noted that Charlotte was "launching into the crowd by herself, no longer with her mother’s guiding hand on her shoulder."
The young princess was seen bending down to speak with wheelchair users, shaking hands, and even offering hugs to some delighted fans.
A Family Effort in the Spotlight
Jennie Bond credited Prince William and Princess Kate with expertly preparing their children for public life. "The children are an absolute delight to see at occasions like this," she said. "I think William and Catherine have done a wonderful job in acclimatising all three children."
Her brothers also displayed their growing poise. Prince George, aged 11, was "full of the joys of Christmas" and happy to pose for photos independently. Meanwhile, Prince Louis, aged six, showed his familiar playful spirit, notably refusing to wear a woolly hat offered by a member of the public to his father.
"It was a charming family scene," Bond observed, adding that the Wales family took longer than any other royals to work their way along the lines of supporters.
Balancing Public Life and Privacy
Despite the children's increasing comfort during these rare public engagements, the royal expert cautioned that frequent appearances are unlikely. Bond believes the Prince and Princess of Wales are strategically managing their children's exposure.
"I think the Prince and Princess of Wales are doing a sterling job in giving the press and public just enough access to the children to satisfy curiosity," Bond explained. "But I’m sure that their main priority is their children’s well-being."
She concluded that while the public may see the family together at a few select events in the coming year, it is "way too early for them to be on more frequent public display." The focus, she insists, remains on ensuring the children feel comfortable and protected as they gradually learn about their future roles.
