Princess Charlotte of Wales, born in London in 2015, very quickly became a favourite with the people of the UK. To mark her birth, landmarks were illuminated in pink, and celebratory gun salutes marked the arrival of a new member of the royal family. The girl’s full name — Charlotte Elizabeth Diana — paid tribute to two important women in her family: her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and her late grandmother, Princess Diana. Even as a baby, Charlotte won over the public with her calm demeanour and charm, and as she grew older, fans of the royal family began to notice her striking resemblance to Princess Diana more and more. As the middle child in the Wales family and third in line to the throne, Charlotte is expected to one day inherit a cherished family heirloom that belonged to her grandmother, which will serve as a touching symbol of their bond.
At the age of nine, Princess Charlotte is already showing a bright and lively personality. She is described as a girl with a spark and a playful spontaneity, and she has demonstrated her bold nature in public on more than one occasion. On one occasion, she playfully stuck her tongue out at the crowd, whilst on another, she reportedly told the photographers with confidence: ‘You’re not coming!’ Her mother, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has even described Charlotte as the one who ‘runs the show’ at home. The girl has a close relationship with her brothers, Prince George and Prince Louis, although, as with many children, they sometimes have minor squabbles. Prince William has shared some lovely stories about their family dance sessions in the kitchen, where the main issue is usually choosing a song. They’ve solved this problem by establishing a set order for their playlist, which includes the family’s favourite track — Shakira’s ‘Waka Waka’.
Despite their high royal status, William and Kate try to bring up their children as normally as possible and often shield them from excessive public attention. That is why every time Charlotte appears at official engagements, it attracts particular interest. Observers are increasingly noting that she resembles Queen Elizabeth II, particularly in her facial expressions and calm reserve. Her early love of horses — rumour has it she asked for a pony at a very young age — also echoes the late Queen’s own passion. Their shared love of animals, as well as childhood photographs showing similar features and mannerisms, lead many to believe that Charlotte has inherited far more from her royal lineage than just a name.
And yet it is her resemblance to Princess Diana that most often catches the eye. Childhood photos comparing Charlotte and Diana have gone viral on more than one occasion: fans have noted their similar eyes, facial expressions and even that signature slight smile. When Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, posted old family photographs, users immediately noticed the striking resemblance between little Diana and Charlotte. A photograph from 1967, showing Diana as a child, attracted a particularly strong response — many felt that the granddaughter bore an incredible resemblance to her famous grandmother. Diana’s school portrait also sparked a fresh wave of comparisons and reinforced the sense that her image seems to live on in the next generation.
Whether Charlotte takes after Princess Diana or Queen Elizabeth II, she is already making a strong impression on the public. She combines childlike confidence, mischievous energy and the traits of legendary women in the royal family, making her a firm favourite amongst fans of the monarchy. As she grows up and finds her place within the royal family, Charlotte carries with her a legacy of grace, strength and charisma that links her to the generations that came before her.
