Ways Charlotte stepped up for beloved mum as Kate Middleton made triumphant return
On the day her mother returned to the public eye for the first time since her shock diagnosis, Princess Charlotte stepped up to ensure it was a triumphant success.
Millions of Royal fans were delighted on Friday when Princess Kate , 42, announced last minute she would be attending Trooping the Colour alongside her three children. The day could have been fraught with worries and concerns as all eyes were going to be drawn to her, as she has been away from view for several months.
Thankfully for all concerned, the day went off without a hitch and it was partly thanks to Princess Charlotte. The nine-year-old was spotted at several times during the day bringing her younger brother, Louie, into line.
Princess Charlotte
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 15: Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Princess Charlotte of Wales on the balcony during Trooping the Colour at Buckingham Palace on June 15, 2024 in London, England. Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial parade celebrating the official birthday of the British Monarch. The event features over 1,400 soldiers and officers, accompanied by 200 horses. More than 400 musicians from ten different bands and Corps of Drums march and perform in perfect harmony. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
On the way to Horse Guards Parade, Charlotte took it upon herself to make sure the crowds at The Mall could see her and her siblings smiling and waving. As the rain poured and the windows steamed up, she wiped the mist away with her bare hands while her mum Kate acknowledged onlookers and her little brother Louis excitedly waved.
Once they were at the parade, Princess Kate and her children watched from a balcony. Louie was seen playing with a blind cord as the event went on. But instead of getting out of hand, Charlotte appeared to remind Louis who was the boss on the balcony and instructed him to stand straight while the national anthem played.
Body language expert Judi James told the Mirror : “As Kate and her three children watched from the open window, it was Kate standing at the back of the group while Charlotte beamed down with an expression of pride, even appearing to mutter to Louis to ensure he stood to attention as she did while the National Anthem was being played.
“Sweetly and adorably it seemed to be Charlotte stepping up to delegate some of her mother's body language rituals. Her smile from the carriage was so like Kate's pitch-perfect royal smile and she used eye-engage on the crowds as she waved with enthusiasm."
The Waleses have been keen to keep to their normal routine. In recent months, and eldest child George has been seen out with William several times, most notably at the FA Cup final last month. During his visit to see Gareth Southgate's men before they left for Germany, William also got the opportunity to give the players a pep talk and he shared Louis' words of wisdom.
He said: "Guys, while I was on the way here, I was thinking what shall I say. And I thought what can I offer as you are all an experienced team here with Gareth and I was thinking what could I say to help before you went away?
“And I was on the school run this morning with the children and I said, 'What shall I say to the England team today'. The best bit of advice I got was to eat twice the amount you would normally eat. And I now have visions of all of you running around with massive tummies and getting stitches on the pitch. So I think take my youngest's advice with a pinch of salt.”