FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PRINCESS CHARLOTTE
1 WHERE HAS SHE BEEN?
Prince William and his wife, Kate, want to protect their daughter’s privacy. It’s not surprising that the official photo released Monday to mark Charlotte’s second birthday was taken on the protected grounds of the family’s country estate. The royal couple has tried to keep Charlotte mostly out of the limelight and away from the paparazzi that often follow senior royals at events in London. An important exception was an official trip to Canada in the fall. William and Kate brought Charlotte and her older brother, Prince George, on the trip.
2 WHAT IMPACT WILL PHOTO HAVE?
Don’t be surprised if there’s a run on fluffy yellow cardigans with cute sheep decorations in British stores catering to kids — that’s what Charlotte is wearing in the official photo. It’s possible the outfit was chosen by the clothesconscious Kate, who snapped the photo. Earlier outfits worn by Prince George in public have become extremely popular with British consumers charmed by the young royals.
3 WHAT IS HER FULL NAME?
She is officially named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, in tribute to her late grandmother Diana, Princess of Wales, and her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. She is also known as Princess Charlotte of Cambridge.
4 WHAT’S NEXT FOR CHARLOTTE?
The family is expected to spend more time in London and less in the countryside as William takes up more royal duties and Prince George, 3, prepares to start school in the fall. Their London base is at Kensington Palace.
5 WILL SHE EVER BE QUEEN?
Charlotte is fourth in line for the throne, behind Prince Charles (her grandfather), Prince William and Prince George.