Pretty as a picture in a blue print dress and trainers.
In Northern Ireland, Kate revealed she calls her daughter Lottie as a nickname. Charlotte is expected to join George at Thomas's Battersea in September. She'll finish up at Willcocks Nursery this summer. We've also learned the princess "absolutely loves" dance and ballet and is said to be taking classes. Before Christmas, Kate and Charlotte attended a rehearsal of The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House.
Charlotte looked adorable in the Trotters Betsy Dress. The £70 liberty print dress features puff sleeves and a smart cotton poplin Peter Pan collar with blue stitch detailing.
And the £26 Trotters Hampton Canvas Plum Shoes (a special word of thanks to Susan from What Kate's Kids Wore).
Readers will recognise Charlotte's tartan dress from the Burnham Horse Trials last month. The Amaia Kids £50 Molly Skirt is described as: "Stylish and vintage inspired classic lovely 100% poeplin cotton tartan skirt with ruffled straps. Very fashionable shape in a navy, blue, green, white and red tartan which makes it really easy to style and always elegant to wear."
Three was quite the year for Charlotte, filled with plenty of adventures...of the wedding variety.
Last May, she was a bridesmaid at Harry and Meghan's Windsor wedding. Charlotte looked adorable in her Givenchy dress and floral crown.
Fun on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour.
The following day, Charlotte made her polo debut. The Princess joined Kate and George for the first time to cheer William on as he participated in the Maserati Royal Charity Polo Trophy at the Beaufort Polo Club in Tetbury.
The Cambridge children had a ball running and playing with Charlotte's playful personality on display.
The Cambridges made their first official appearance as a family of five for Louis' christening in July.
Tea afterwards was a decidedly family affair. The little lady turned to the media as they left the chapel and informed them: "You're not coming!" :)
Charlotte was on bridesmaid duty again in September for her godmother Sophie Carter and Robert Snuggs' wedding.
By the time Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's day came round in October, Charlotte had bridal party duties down to a fine art, including the all-important royal wave.
Charlotte looked very grown up with her hair tied back for the Cambridges' Christmas card.
And a little wave arriving at the Queen's pre-Christmas luncheon.
From one Charlotte to another, Happy Birthday little Princess!
If you're just joining us, click here to read today's earlier post covering Kate's visit to officially open the Anna Freud Centre's new Centre of Excellence.
I do expect Kate will attend the Royal Victorian Order service at Windsor on Friday, however I don't know if the service is private. I'll leave a note in the comments of this post when I do find out definitively.
In the first picture she’s the image of a young Queen Elizabeth II, I think. I hope she has a lovely birthday.
ReplyDeleteYes, anon, and I've always thought she looks a lot like Pippa.
Deletealexandra
florida
Absolutely. And if you look at the pictures of Queen Mary as a younger woman, you can see where those amazing eyes and cheekbones come from. What impresses me so much about Charlotte is the maturity and intelligence in her expression, I can't believe she's only four!
DeleteWhat an absolutely precious cupcake! How on earth is she so big?! Wonderful pictures of a wonderful little lady!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing, Rebecca, they grow up so fast and she is such a beautiful adorable little lady!
Deletealexandra
florida
How darling these pictures are! Thank you, Charlotte, Mary.
ReplyDeleteShe's adorable! And they could not have e picked a better name for her imo. I definitely agree that she looks the most like Williams side out of their 3 children! Happy 4th birthday, Princess Charlotte
ReplyDeleteCharlotte is so adorable.
ReplyDeleteTo me PC is the image of Diana Spencer. There's a photo, she's about six and the expression is identical to Charlotte in the first photo. Google Diana Spencer images and tell me I'm not crazy!
ReplyDeleteThose Cambridge are so darn gorgeous.
I saw Princess Diana in that first photo. It was surprising. Will be interesting to see how she changes. I'm sure we'll HM, William and Princess Diana in her at different times in her life. Remember how much Will looked like Diana when he was High School/Uni age? I think he grew out of it somewhat over time.
DeleteShe is adorable - can't wait to see more of her personality.
I agree Mel. I really see William in her very much now. Wow! It’s funny because both boys have such strong Middleton features to me. Not this little cupcake of a Princess!
DeleteI don't think you're crazy Mel, just googled Diana and found this youtube "transformation" video from 1 to 36. It has several younger pictures of Diana that I have not seen before. You are right Charlotte does looks quite a bit like Diana in some of the photos and also like William, especially with that downcast look they do with their head. She has the Windsor/Spencer look with Middleton coloring. Kate takes wonderful photographs and really knows how to capture her children on film, what a beautiful little girl who has the best of all families!! Lovely post. cc
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8MxTzcPLlc
The one Middleton feature I see though, I think she will have Kate’s nose. He nose looks sweetly upturned like a button in profile and I don’t think that’s a Windsor trait.
DeleteBut she definitely does not have Kate’s eyes.
It’s going to be so fun watching her grow with her brothers and all of their cousins on both sides.
I also love and respect her sassafras attitude.
Mel -you aren't wrong. I've seen it before these pics too. Its the eyes. The set of the eyes, and the way she can both look up at you with her head tilted down, slightly coy, and at other times, look straight at the camera very self possessed. Its there. People often look for skin, eye, hair coloring...and so they miss the resemblance. She's got the eyes. And frankly, that was Diana's most arresting feature...
DeleteSO adorable! Can’t believe she’s already 4! Thank you, Charlotte, for your lightning fast and informative post!
ReplyDeleteI’m so grateful that you started this blog eight years ago. Your writing, which was wonderful in 2011, just keeps getting better and better! Your delightful blog has helped get me through some tough times.
Thanks loads and shine on,
Julie
Such lovely photos! Princess Charlotte has grown up so much from a little dot at three but still has the Windsor look. Catherine’s photos of her precious children are such a treat. Happy birthday Princess Charlotte 🎂
ReplyDeleteLove the posed portrait of Charlotte sitting on the grass. So adorable, and so characterful (is there such a word?). She's really grown into a little girl, looking very spunky and mature!
ReplyDeleteShe's such a lil William!!
ReplyDeleteAdore the picture of Charlotte running through the field. It is so natural and catches what I imagine her personality to be.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe she's so big! I also see Diana, William, Eugenie, and Emma Watson! But I see the Queen more than I had before. She is really going to be a lovely person.
ReplyDeleteSo cute, I love the clothes, She looks like a combination of many family members on both sides.
ReplyDeletehmm she grow fast she has the image of the queen happy birthday princess Charlotte
ReplyDeleteCharlotte is absolutely adorable!
ReplyDeleteThose cheeks!!! At first glance, Charlotte reminds me of her distant cousin Lady Sarah Chatto. Charlotte has a very distinctive look and will certainly be a stunning young woman. I am certainly enjoying watching the Cambridge children grow and change over time.
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE the "active/movement" one!! Kate is a phenomenal photographer of her children! I love that we get to see not just her "lady like" style but also her active spirit. 💓💓💓💓
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful photos, I came to check on here in the hope that the photos had been released and I was very excited to the see a new post pop up! I've felt for a while that Princess Charlotte takes after the Queen, I thought it was especially highlighted in the portrait taken of the Queen and her Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren. Kate takes such lovely photos of the children.
ReplyDeleteI loved the recap that you added, Charlotte, so many events that took place last year I'd mixed up in my head and had happening at least a couple of years ago!
Thank you for the amazing blogs you run. I absolutely love them and come and read most days.
Happy Birthday Princess Charlotte have a fun filled day.
HMH
And even in the "lady-like" one she has on unlaced sneakers
ReplyDeleteThink Kate is trying to show us "Lottie's" personality. :)
I can't believe she's four! She looks so grown up!
ReplyDeleteshe is so cute!!!!!! she really looks like the Queen!
ReplyDeleteKate is a great photographer
You've got it right Melissa. She sure does look like the Queen! I'm surprised more people don't comment on it. William resembles Diana & Charlotte looks nothing like that.
DeleteI disagree, she heavily favours Kate and the Middletons, especially her eyes and brows.
ReplyDeletei agree with you about the top half of her face, very middleton, but I see William in her mouth and cheeks, I think George has the same mouth as well. Louis is pure kate. I see no diana in them and I don't see the queen either. I agree with the sarah chatto about charlotte as well. they will change so much but one thing is for sure, they have very good looks about them!
DeleteGoogle "pics of Queen Elizabeth as a child". You'll see a few pics of Charlotte beside the Queen at the same age. Dead ringer! Or maybe it's just me seeing it. It's pretty subjective.
DeleteBeautiful pictures. I see her mother, and, also her father across the eyes. What a lovely little girl.
ReplyDeleteShe may have Windsor features but she has her Mother's charm- with a little moxie thrown in.
ReplyDeleteLovely post.
I read an observation that the first born daughter is the girl version of her father - and I think that is true with Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteIt 's impossible how our little Charlotte grown up.She became little lady.When she is reflected,I see a little Kate.She has something after her mom.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Princess Charlotte! 🎂 She's darling and a hoot to boot! "You're not coming."🤣 I see such a strong resemblance to William. And Lady Sarah Chatto as others have mentioned in the past!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Kate and Will heard heard Charlotte's comment to the press? In the video it looks like they didn't hear her... Adorable!
DeleteHappy Birthday Princess Charlotte 🎂🎉🎈!
I'd say William did hear her, Rachel - I believe there's a little smile or funny expression on his face about 2 seconds after she said it 😉
DeleteRachel, I think William heard her -- if you watch again, you can see him smirk after she says that.
DeleteSuch a little doll. I still think she closely resembles Lady Sarah Chatto.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, expecially the first one. Charlotte is so grown up, and what a beautiful little lady! Happy birthday to her!
ReplyDeleteKate does love dressing Charlotte in blue doesn't she? Such a cute little lady
ReplyDeleteTime flies! Princess Charlotte's bday time is often, in India, associated with exam seasons or college acceptance. I remember the day she was born I had a super important result announcement and I got through. And just a few days before her 4th Bday I got accepted into a Business school of my choice. I don't really get much time to follow this blog anymore as I used to as a 16 year old but I've grown with this blog and it feels so special now. Thank you, Charlotte gor thus amazing work 😚😍
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, RC! Hope you'll like your school!
DeleteWhat beautiful, happy photos to wake up to. Charlotte looks so grown up. Find it difficult to believe it is four years since the Duke and Duchess stood on the hospital steps with their sleeping beauty.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Princess Charlotte
Charlotte va beaucoup ressembler à Lady Sarah Chatto .... Joyeux Anniversaire Princesse !!!!!
ReplyDeleteYes! I see the resemblance to Lady Chatto better than any other suggested!
DeleteLovely pictures. Adorable. Happy birthday to Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteQuite nice, but from a technical point of view, they are not as bright, clear or focussed as press photos. She resembles William at that age.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if we would get “professional” photos this time, since all the photos of Charlotte so far has been taken by Kate. But my guess is it is just easier to pick 3 nice photos of the hundreds Kate has on her phone/computer, than the disruption of getting a photographer to do them. But I agree at some point it would be nice to have pro photos. Also because Kate has a very specific style, she loves the blurry background. Another photographer’s style would be a nice change.
DeleteI like the family photos better. the kids look natural as they are looking at their mother and not a "photographer" - sure maybe they would have been brighter or more focused but I think their personality would not have come through as well. And really, im just happy we have photos, and great ones at that!
DeleteWe should be happy they share photos at all. They don't have to, especially for Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, but they do. They are not a pretentious family hiring professional photographers for every occasion. Since Kate's photos are lovely I'm not going to complain.
DeleteI've been thinking about this and just want to add that for charlotte in particular getting a photographer may not work, she even told them all they were not invited after louis christening so she may not be ok with one coming to their house and posing for them? also that would lead to a bigger explanation of "who they are" and im not sure when you tell a child that?? well your the future king of England or your the sister of the future king of England and mommy and daddy will be the king and queen of England. etc. etc. would love to be a fly on the wall for that one!!
DeleteCaroline great thoughts and I think you are correct:):)
DeleteWonderful pictures of Charlotte Like everyone I can’t believe she is four already As to who she takes after I am undecided I think she favours both Kate & William family it changes for me in each picture when taken from different angles x
ReplyDeleteI still see a huge resemblance to Sarah Chatto! So adorable. Happy Birthday, Princess Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Charlotte, for this beautiful post! IMO the little Princess is a combination of HM the Queen on one side, and Kate (she has her smile) on the other side. She's just lovely! What a joy, to have this little girl together with her brothers! Sometimes the second (middle) sibling is a little in the shadow of the first or the youngest ones but she'll always be unique, being the only (?? or at least the first) daughter.
ReplyDeleteAnd I completely love her nickname - Lottie! ❤️
Happy birthday Princess Charlotte and may you grow into a kind and graceful lady like your Mum! 💐🎈
Lovely birthday wish Zora +1!! cc
DeleteShe is a very nice little girl.
ReplyDeleteI've notice that she never wears trousers or shorts, does anybody explain why? Is it a habit in upper class families?
It is difficult to say, since we have only seen what she wears about 24 times in her 4 years. And that isn’t even 24 outfits, because a lot of them is repeats. For all we know she runs around in pants the rest of the time. Kate definitely have a “picture” in her head of what her children should wear on photos. But mostly I think it is a case of Kate wearing a lot of dresses (so does her mother and sister) so she automatically dress her daughter in dresses (while she still has a say)
DeleteDoes Wilcox Nursery have a uniform? If she wears a jumper/dress/skirt to school every day she may be more comfortable in dresses or skirts at home as well.
DeleteI have 2 little girls and they both love dresses. Infact my 2 yr old had a meltdown because she wanted to wear a dress to bed!
DeleteGrowing up if you went to church or had a family picture you needed to dress nice for it. That usually meant a dress.
I'm thinking that is where Kate is coming from(and I would put my girls in a dress if it was birthday pics too) .
"You need to look nice for your pictures, Lottie dear."
"From what Charlotte to another"...oh my heart! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th Birthday,little Pss. She is a cutie. I think she looks more like Kate very little of William.
ReplyDeleteI think these are some of the sweetest photos we have ever seen from Kate. She really captured some great images of her adorable little girl.
ReplyDeleteIf this is not allowed, I am sure Charlotte will not post it, but since we talk so much about Kate's fashion, I thought I would mention a sale I noticed online for L.K. Bennett in the U.S. I do not want to lead anyone in the wrong direction, because of the retail woes from this company, but I noticed they had boots that looked similar to the boots Kate has worn in the last year.
Some items are on sale and there is an additional -60% off and it makes some items -80% to -88% off of the original price. I was a little skeptical, but paid via PayPal hoping for some added protection. I guess I either got a pretty good deal on boots ($470.00 boots marked down to $94.00), or I was very stupid.
Hi Anon @ 22:19. I went on the site to check out the boots and I think one of the pairs of boots I like may be the one you purchased (based on the prices you mentioned). Is it the Ameli Black (or Brown) Suede Ankle Boots? I don't know anything about L.K. Bennett and its woes. Are they going out of business? I guess I could Google it to find out. My issue is that I have very skinny and narrow feet, so buying shoes is really tough. Given that they are on a final sale, I don't know if I should take a chance.
DeleteBeautiful! She looks more like her daddy now.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteA quick update on the Royal Victorian Order Service at Windsor. The event was private and no photos were released. According to the Court Circular, the Duchess wasn't in attendance.
From the CC: "The Queen, Sovereign of the Order, accompanied by The Princess Royal, Grand Master, was present this morning at a Service of the Royal Victorian Order held in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The Duke of York, The Earl of Wessex, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, The Duke of Kent, Prince Michael of Kent, Princess Alexandra, the Hon Lady Ogilvy and Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence were also present."
Windsor Castle was closed for the service, which led to plenty of royal baby speculation :)
It was announced that the royal family will be turning out for the May 18 wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor at Windsor- reception following to be at Frogmore House. I wonder if Princess Charlotte will, once again, put on her bridesmaid face? Princess Michael is the MOB. It will be interesting to see who attends. Sarah? Prince Michael will look so distinguished escorting his daughter down the aisle.
ReplyDeleteThe VO: Camilla missed it, too. Two of HM's sons, her daughter and the cousins were present. The "Old Guard."
Anyone know why Catherine did not attend?
DeleteNone of the younger royal's attended, according to the list Charlotte posted. Queen's sons, minus Charles, daughter, and cousins only, apparently.
DeleteThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will launch a new sailing race in support of their charities today.
ReplyDelete