Princess Charlotte Seen as Proof William and Kate’s Big Plan Is Working

Mastering the art of a royal walkabout—and winning over crowds—usually takes years of practice. But Princess Charlotte seems to have it down already as she celebrates her 11th birthday.

The young royal, who has been appearing more frequently in public alongside her older brother Prince George, has shown growing confidence at major family events.

Just last month, during the traditional Easter Sunday service at Windsor, Princess Charlotte stepped out ahead of her parents, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, confidently greeting well-wishers with a friendly wave.

At Christmas, during the traditional walkabout at Sandringham, Princess Charlotte looked completely at ease as she greeted members of the public—warmly hugging well-wishers and accepting small gifts. Her natural charm even led some to compare her to a young Queen Elizabeth II.

According to royal expert Jennie Bond, Charlotte’s confidence, poise, and good manners come down to one key factor: the upbringing provided by her parents, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, for her and her brothers, Prince George and Prince Louis.

“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.”

“At their recent Easter outing at Windsor, it was Charlotte who looked by far the most at ease in front of the cameras and crowds, offering a little wave in their direction. 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 in the way that they have insisted.”

“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, by ring-fencing school holidays for example, and by simply being there for their children in the way royals of the past have not always been. And I think it’s making a crucial difference.”

Despite her confidence in public, Princess Charlotte—along with Prince George and Prince Louis—is carefully shielded by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, allowing them to enjoy a more private childhood while attending Lambrook School.

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Like many girls her age, Princess Charlotte enjoys a range of hobbies—from dancing and gymnastics to being a fan of Taylor Swift.

Her father, Prince William, has previously spoken about her love of making and exchanging friendship bracelets, a trend inspired by the pop star. During his 2024 visit to South Africa for the Earthshot Prize Awards, he was even seen wearing a beaded bracelet reading “Papa,” lovingly made by Charlotte as a reminder of home.

Meanwhile, Catherine, Princess of Wales has shared that her daughter has a passion for dance—particularly ballet—a love she seems to share with her late grandmother, Princess Diana.

Jennie Bond added: “Also like her mother, she is sporty and, by all accounts, is keen on trying her hand at all sorts of activities – from tap dancing to tennis, hurdles to horse riding.”

At just 11, Princess Charlotte still has years of school—and possibly university—ahead of her. But could royal duties one day be part of her future, as they are for her older brother Prince George?

Jennie believes it’s likely, explaining: “I suspect that a life of full-time royal duty does eventually await the young princess – given the dwindling number of working Royals. But I don’t think it’s something that her parents will insist on if, in the end, it’s really something she doesn’t want to do. This is a new era and one which, I think, will afford some of the young royals, a little more choice. That I think, is only fair.”

For now, though, it’s all about celebrating. While King Charles III may not be present due to the final leg of his trip to the United States and Bermuda, Charlotte is still expected to enjoy a special day with her family.

“Charlotte will be celebrating her birthday on a Saturday, which, at Lambrook, still involves some school time. But I’m sure there will be the chance to celebrate in the evening, no doubt with one of Catherine’s famous home-made birthday cakes.”

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