Princess Charlotte is set to take on the prestigious Princess Royal title and follow in the footsteps of the hardworking Princess Anne, according to royal expert Robert Hardman. The 11-year-old daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales has long been destined for a special title when her father ascends the throne.
A Title Fit for a Future Princess Royal
While King Charles is reportedly keen for Charlotte to eventually take on the Duchess of Edinburgh title, Hardman, author of Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, believes the monarch may have a different honour in mind. 'I think she'll be the Princess Royal, as Anne is,' he told HELLO! magazine. 'There's no better model.'
Traditionally, the monarch's eldest daughter is given the Princess Royal title. However, the title is not hereditary, meaning it will not pass automatically to Anne's daughter, Zara Tindall. Princess Anne, 75, will hold the title for life; upon her death, it will revert to the Crown and must be officially bestowed upon Charlotte.
Charlotte's Unique Position in the Line of Succession
As a result of the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act, which replaced male-preference primogeniture with absolute primogeniture, Charlotte is third in line to the throne, after her father Prince William and older brother Prince George, 12. Unlike her great-aunt Anne, Charlotte will not drop down the order of succession unless George has children.
Hardman noted that the monarch could opt to give Charlotte the Duchess of Edinburgh title, as it is unlikely to go to Prince Edward's children. However, he believes the Princess Royal title better aligns with Charlotte's conscientious and down-to-earth nature.
A Close Bond with Princess Anne
Anne and Charlotte are understood to share a close bond, with both enjoying ballet and sport while serving as reliable and down-to-earth members of the Royal Family. According to previous reports, Anne has often sought to mentor Charlotte, aiming to 'fool-proof' her into becoming the perfect princess and standby Queen.
'They couldn't imagine a better role model than Anne, who is renowned for her work ethic and impregnable support for the king,' a royal insider told The Mirror. 'She doesn't put a foot wrong whilst still having her opinions not only heard, but respected. Anne was invaluable to Kate during those early uncertain years, especially as a commoner. She wants Charlotte to have the same candid tough love Anne gave her.'
Future Education and School Choices
Charlotte currently attends Lambrook School in Berkshire, a prep school that caters to students up to age 13. Speculation about her future education includes Wellington College, with termly fees of £15,000 to £20,000. Melanie Sanderson, managing editor of The Good Schools Guide, told HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast that Wellington is a strong contender. 'I've been told Wellington is a possible school for Princess Charlotte,' she revealed.
Wellington College, located near the Wales family home at Forest Lodge on the Windsor Estate, charges £15,250 for day pupils and £20,750 for boarders per term. Sanderson added, 'If Charlotte is going to a co-ed, it might be that they would want her to be joined by her brother Louis. Logistically, that would work for them really, really well.'
Meanwhile, questions surround where Prince George may attend in September. A well-placed source told the Mail on Sunday that 'all roads lead to Eton,' after the young prince was allocated a house. William and Kate have also been spotted visiting Oundle School in Northamptonshire, which charges between £22,000 for day pupils and £45,000 for full-time boarders annually.
Constitutional Significance
A royal source previously told the Daily Mail that Charlotte holds a 'historically position' in the Royal Family. 'She is the first female member of the Royal Family whose place in the line of succession will not be surpassed by her younger brother,' they explained. 'So it is constitutionally significant that Charlotte should be given such a corresponding title, because it is not beyond the realms of possibility that she will accede to the throne if, for example, Prince George does not have children.'
