Princess Charlotte has been praised for her poised demeanour (Image: Getty)
Princess Charlotte has been praised as “living proof” that the Prince and Princess of Wales’ approach to parenting is paying off, as the young royal celebrates her 11th birthday.
In an opinion piece for the Daily Mirror, royal commentator Jennifer Newton highlighted Charlotte’s growing confidence during public appearances, a trait that seasoned members of the British Royal Family often take years to master. The young princess, daughter of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, has increasingly stepped into the spotlight alongside her older brother Prince George.
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A royal commentator says Princess Charlotte is proof that Prince William and Princess Kate have raised her well (Image: Getty)
At high-profile events, Charlotte has appeared notably self-assured. During the traditional Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle, she was seen confidently walking ahead of her parents and waving to crowds.
Similarly, at Christmas in Sandringham Estate, Charlotte charmed well-wishers by greeting fans, accepting gifts, and even hugging members of the public, prompting comparisons to a “mini version” of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
According to former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, Charlotte’s poise stems from a stable upbringing.
She told the Mirror: “I think confidence in any child is born of a happy and stable home life. And that is precisely what William and Catherine have worked so hard at achieving for their children. Judging by the three of them, their parents have done a good job.”
Bond added that Charlotte stood out during the Easter outing: “It was Charlotte who looked by far the most at ease in front of the cameras and crowds… Like her mother, she seems effortlessly elegant. I think she’s living proof that the Prince and Princess are entirely justified in prioritising their family.”
She continued: “In recent decades, the royals have, with some justification, been labelled one of the most dysfunctional families in the land. And that needs to change.
“William and Catherine have faced criticism for making that change, but I think it’s making a crucial difference.”
Despite her confidence in public, Charlotte and her brothers, including Prince Louis, are carefully shielded from excessive exposure. The children attend Lambrook School, where they are able to enjoy a relatively private school life.
Away from royal duties, Charlotte is said to share many interests typical of her age. She enjoys dancing, gymnastics and is reportedly a fan of Taylor Swift. Prince William has previously spoken about her enthusiasm for making friendship bracelets inspired by the pop star, even wearing one labelled “Papa” during a trip to South Africa.
Meanwhile, Catherine has revealed Charlotte’s love of ballet, a passion she shares with her late grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Bond added: “Also like her mother, she is sporty… keen on trying her hand at all sorts of activities – from tap dancing to tennis, hurdles to horse riding.”
Looking ahead, Charlotte’s future role within the monarchy remains uncertain. While she is third in line to the throne, Bond suggested a more flexible approach may be taken.
“I suspect that a life of full-time royal duty does eventually await the young princess, but I don’t think it’s something her parents will insist on if it’s not what she wants,” she said.
“This is a new era, one which will afford some of the young royals a little more choice.”
As Charlotte marks her birthday, celebrations are expected to be private. Her grandfather, King Charles III, may be absent as he completes an overseas trip to the United States and Bermuda.
For now, however, the young princess continues to win admiration, not only for her charm in public, but as a symbol of a modernised royal upbringing.