Princess of Wales shares new photo of daughter
Princess Charlotte of Wales celebrated her eighth birthday on May 2 2023.
Kensington Palace has shared a new photo of the young royal to commemorate the special day, saying, “The Prince and Princess of Wales are delighted to share a new photograph of Princess Charlotte ahead of her eighth birthday.”
Just like the images posted in 2022 to mark her seventh birthday, Princess Charlotte bears a striking resemblance to her father.
The pair seem to share a number of similar facial features, including their eyes and nose, and expressions.
The birthday photo, taken by her mother, the Princess of Wales, follows a long-standing tradition started by Catherine soon after her marriage to Prince William 12 years ago.
The photo saw Princess Charlotte near the family’s home, Adelaide Cottage, in Windsor.
She is shown sitting in a white wicker chair, with a beaming smile, wearing a white dress with floral embroidery.
The new portrait comes shortly after the fifth birthday of Charlotte’s younger brother Prince Louis.
However, breaking from tradition, the two photos shared by the palace on April 23 were taken by photographer Millie Pilkington rather than Kate.
Instead, the Princess of Wales was captured in one of the images pushing her young son in a wheelbarrow.
The Princess of Wales has been photographing her children for special occasions since soon after the birth of her first child, Prince George, and has chosen a more personal approach to royal family portraits.
She’s been praised by professional photographers for her skills and ability to capture her children so organically.
Princess Charlotte is said to join her parents Prince William and Kate, and brothers Prince George and Prince Louis at the coronation of King Charles on May 6.
She is not believed to have an official role due to her age but she will take part in a procession with her two brothers from Westminster Abbey back to Buckingham Palace following the ceremony.
They will ride in a carriage close behind the Gold State Coach carrying the King and Queen Consort Camilla.
Prince George will play a special role during the ceremony, acting as one of the King’s four pages as the monarch enters the Abbey.
They will be joined by the Princess Royal, her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra.
Princess Anne, who is a former Olympic equestrian is set to ride horseback behind the Gold State Coach.
This role is formally given the title of Gold-Stick-in-Waiting, a position that has historically been given to the person trusted with looking after the Monarch’s safety.
Prince Andrew, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are not expected to participate.
It was previously revealed that Prince Harry will be in attendance but Meghan will remain in Montecito, California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
However, Prince Harry's visit will likely be short-lived as he will return to California to celebrate Prince Archie's fourth birthday that same day.
Image credit: Instagram