Additional Coverage:
- Everything to know about Prince William and Kate Middleton’s only daughter, Princess Charlotte (businessinsider.com)
Princess Charlotte: The Spare Who’s Anything But
Princess Charlotte, the second child of Prince William and Kate Middleton, turned 10 this past May. As third in line to the British throne, she occupies the traditional role of the “spare,” a position historically fraught with complexities. However, even at her young age, Charlotte is forging a unique path, redefining what it means to be a royal spare.
The princess was born on May 2, 2015, at St Mary’s Hospital in London, the same hospital where her father, brother, and uncle were born. Her full name, Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, honors her grandfather, King Charles, her great-grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and her grandmother, Princess Diana.
Following a time-honored tradition, the Waleses debuted their newborn daughter on the steps of the hospital the day she was born. Kate, like Princess Diana before her, posed for photos with her baby after each of her three children’s births.
The 2013 Succession to the Crown Act ensured that Charlotte’s position in the line of succession would not be affected by her gender. Following the Queen’s passing and Charles’s ascension to the throne, Charlotte became third in line and her title changed to Princess Charlotte of Wales.
Christened in July 2015 at St Mary Magdalene Church, Charlotte’s first overseas royal tour was to Canada at 16 months old. Photos from the trip show the princess and her mother in coordinating outfits, a tradition that continues today.
With the birth of Prince Louis in 2018, the Wales family was complete. Charlotte attended Thomas’s Battersea school in London before the family relocated to Windsor in 2022, where she now attends Lambrook School.
While Prince William and Princess Kate prioritize their children’s privacy, Charlotte participates in key royal events, including Trooping the Colour, the annual Christmas walk at Sandringham, Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, and King Charles III’s coronation.
Unlike past “spares” who sometimes struggled with their royal roles, Charlotte appears confident and at ease during public appearances. She interacts comfortably with the public and even gently guides her brothers on royal protocol.
Recent appearances at less formal events, such as the Eras Tour with her family and Wimbledon with her mother, have provided glimpses into a more relaxed side of royal life. Charlotte’s composure and confidence, even at a young age, set her apart and suggest a bright future within the royal family.
She may well be following in the footsteps of her great-aunt, Princess Anne, whose steadfast dedication has been invaluable to the monarchy. At only 10 years old, Princess Charlotte is already demonstrating that she’s a royal to watch.