Princess Charlotte turns 9

 

The Prince and Princess of Wales have released a heartwarming photo of Princess Charlotte to mark her ninth birthday. The snap, taken by her mother Kate, shows Charlotte beaming with a bright smile. The photo was posted on the couple's official social media accounts with a note of thanks for the kind messages received.

This is the second photo released by the Waleses in as many weeks, following the celebration of Prince Louis' sixth birthday last week. The tradition of releasing portraits of their children on their birthdays has been a cherished one for the family.

However, this year's release process has been adjusted following the controversy surrounding Kate's recent Mother's Day photo, which was found to have been digitally altered. To avoid any further scrutiny, the palace has taken control of the narrative by only posting the photo on social media on the day, without sending it out to media outlets under embargo.

Despite the challenges faced by the royal family in 2024, including Kate's ongoing treatment for cancer, Princess Charlotte's birthday is a joyous occasion. The young princess was last seen in public during the royal family's traditional Christmas Day walk to church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

Charlotte's father, Prince William, recently shared her favorite joke with students at a school in the UK's West Midlands - a "knock knock" gag involving an interrupting cow. The princess is known for her playful and confident personality, often seen in public appearances with her family.

As third in line to the throne, after her father and older brother Prince George, Charlotte holds an important place in the royal family. Her birth in 2015 marked a significant change in the rules of succession, as she became the first British princess who wouldn't be overtaken by a younger brother. The Succession to the Crown Act of 2013 ensured that all royal children born after 2011 would have an equal right to the throne regardless of gender.

Charlotte's ninth birthday is a celebration of her growing up and her special place in the royal family. The released photo is a heartwarming glimpse into her life, and fans of the royal family are delighted to see her thriving.