Royal Family updates — Prince William & Kate’s new birthday pic of Charlotte as celebrations set to be ‘very unusual’
PRINCE William and Kate Middleton have released a new picture of Princess Charlotte to mark her ninth birthday.
The Prince and Princess of Wales posted the cute snap on their Twitter account.
Doting parents Kate and Wills wrote: "Happy 9th Birthday, Princess Charlotte!
"Thank you for all of the kind messages today."
It comes as royal author Claudia Joseph said: “I think this birthday is going to be very unusual for all the children this year because obviously, Kate's having treatment for cancer.
“I think that this is going to be a very low-key birthday for Charlotte."
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What is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour is an event that takes place every year that dates back to Charles II in the 17th century when regiment colours trooped in front of soldiers so they could recognise their unit in battle.
At the start of it, the monarch is greeted by a Royal salute and the National Anthem.
The parade then commences and concludes with a second Royal salute.
His Majesty and other members of the Royal Family gather on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to watch a fly-past by the Royal Air Force.
This year's ceremony might break from tradition in a number of ways, following the King's cancer diagnosis.
How Harry and Meghan found out about Kate’s diagnosis
Harry and Meghan found out about Kate’s cancer diagnosis when the rest of the world did, a source told the New York Post.
The insider said: “They had no idea, and only learned of the news around the same time the rest of the world found out.”
Kate’s diagnosis was the second cancer shock to hit the royal family in as many months after King Charles revealed he was also undergoing treatment.
Inside Princess Charlotte's 'lavish life' as young royal turns nine
Despite her age, Princess Charlotte is already living a lavish A-list life.
Be it her £800,000 doll house or trips to £27,000-a-week Caribbean villas, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s daughter has a charmed life.
Below, we take a look at some of the more lavish aspects of the young royal's life...
Charlotte appears ‘confident’ in birthday snap according to body language expert
Prince William and Kate Middleton yesterday released a new picture of Princess Charlotte to mark her ninth birthday.
Speaking to Fabulous, Judi James said: “This is such a confident and grown-up look from Charlotte who has moved on from the childlike trait of standing straight and awkward in front of the camera and who has opted instead to strike a pose that looks assertive and relaxed, with a smile that is less of a fun grin and more of a signal of warmth and empathy.”
The body language professional added: “Her lean creates a series of body angles but the way she has chosen a high wall to lean her elbow on suggests a quiet desire to dominate and take the lead.
“The lifted arm also creates one pit-bare gesture that is another sign of confidence.”
Judi said the photo also demonstrates Princess Charlotte’s natural “leadership.”
Poignant meaning behind Princess Charlotte’s name
Princess Charlotte was born on May 2, 2015, at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, and we’ve seen her grow into a sweet “mini-me” of mum, Kate.
She was brought into the world in the infamous Lindo Wing, and weighed 8lbs 3oz.
Her full name – Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Wales – has some very sentimental ties.
Her middle names are those of both her late grandmother, Princess Diana, and her late great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince William ‘has never been more protective’ of Kate Middleton
Despite being married for 13 years, Prince William has “never been more protective” of Kate Middleton, an expert has said.
Former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond told The Sun: “William has never been more protective of his wife and children as now.
“He is taking special care to prioritise her health and the welfare of his young family, even in the face of some people saying he should be taking on more public engagements.
“William can be stubborn, and perhaps never more so than when it comes to his family and their privacy.”
When Will and Kate’s romance blossomed
Prince William had known Kate Middleton for a number of years before 2003.
But it was that year, as they lived together in student housing, when their romance truly blossomed.
This was the same year that Kate wore that iconic mesh dress in a charity fashion, the moment when William began seeing the future Queen as more than a friend.
Fellow student Charlotte Todd designed the dress and went on to tell People magazine: “Everyone says that the fashion show was when the romance started, so a small part of me will always be part of royal history. It’s madness!”
Poignant meaning behind Princess Charlotte's name
Princess Charlotte was born on May 2, 2015, at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, and we’ve seen her grow into a sweet “mini-me” of mum, Kate.
She was brought into the world in the infamous Lindo Wing, and weighed 8lbs 3oz.
Her full name - Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Wales - has some very sentimental ties.
Her middle names are those of both her late grandmother, Princess Diana, and her late great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.
Charlotte appears 'confident' in birthday snap according to body language expert
Prince William and Kate Middleton have today released a new picture of Princess Charlotte to mark her ninth birthday.
Speaking to Fabulous, Judi James said: “This is such a confident and grown-up look from Charlotte who has moved on from the childlike trait of standing straight and awkward in front of the camera and who has opted instead to strike a pose that looks assertive and relaxed, with a smile that is less of a fun grin and more of a signal of warmth and empathy.”
The body language professional added: “Her lean creates a series of body angles but the way she has chosen a high wall to lean her elbow on suggests a quiet desire to dominate and take the lead.
“The lifted arm also creates one pit-bare gesture that is another sign of confidence.”
Judi said the photo also demonstrates Princess Charlotte’s natural “leadership.”
Meghan Markle & Prince Harry are ‘beset by problems’, expert claims
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been “beset by problems” since quitting the Royal Family, one expert has claimed.
Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, Richard Palmer examined how the couple has “struggled” since their departure from the UK.
He said to The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson: “I think they’ve struggled.
“Initially of course, as so many people have pointed out, Meghan was treated as a breath of fresh air, a fantastic addition to the family by the British media, but there’s been a change.
“I think the US media has got bored with them continually moaning about the way they’ve been treated.”
King Charles has ‘left door open’ for face-to-face meeting with Harry
King Charles will always “leave the door open” for a meeting with Prince Harry, a royal expert has claimed.
The Duke of Sussex is jetting to the UK next week for the Invictus Games’ 10th anniversary.
Speaking of the possibility Harry and King Charles could come face to face, Richard Fitzwilliams said: “So far as Harry is concerned, yes, undoubtedly I would have thought he would want to see his father.
“The King has always kept the door open to Harry, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he would invariably get a warm reception.”
Royal fans react to new snap
Following the release of Princess Charlotte's new picture, royal fans have flocked to the comments to praise Kate's camera work.
One fan said: "Happy Birthday Charlotte! Another gorgeous photo taken by Catherine. Have a wonderful day!"
A second wrote: "Have a really lovely day Princess Charlotte. @KensingtonRoyal Thank you so much for sharing this delightful photograph with us."
Body language expert hails ‘authentic’ anniversary photo
A body language expert has hailed the never-before-seen wedding photo shared by William and Kate on their 13th anniversary.
Body language expert Judi James praised the beautiful snap, saying to Fabulous: “The phrase ‘They saved the best till last’ might be true of this gorgeous, unseen wedding photo that shows the couple not only slightly more relaxed than some of the more formal poses shared at the time, but also far more open with their emotional displays via some subtle but telling body language signals.
“William has allowed his signals of status and desire to protect Kate as she is inducted into the royal firm to drop gently here and as a result he wears the facial expression of an excited and delighted small child, one that we saw him wear so many times as he was growing up.
“This is a coy, bashful smile as he stands behind the woman he clearly loves and it is that slither of shyness that makes it an authentic look of love.”
Strictly judge praises the King and Princess Kate
Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas has praised the King and Princess Kate for speaking publicly about their cancer treatments.
The TV star, 63, described the pair as inspiring — after she revealed her own breast cancer scare.
She had three biopsies taken from her left breast last week and is awaiting the results, she told the Sun on Sunday.
What picture was released last year for Charlotte's birthday?
Kate, a keen photographer, regularly receives plaudits for her snaps of her three children, which she shows to the world on their birthdays.
To mark the occasion last year, an image showed Charlotte wearing a blue and white striped jumper cuddling family pet Orla, a black cocker spaniel.
The photograph was taken in the gardens of the Windsor Estate in .
Where was Kate's picture of Charlotte taken?
Kate captured the image of her youngest child at Windsor before posting: "Happy 6th Birthday, Prince Louis!
"Thank you for all the kind wishes today."
Brave Kate is currently undergoing preventive chemotherapy after being given a devastating cancer diagnosis.
‘The Sussexes aren’t trusted’
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are “not trusted” by the Royal Family, an expert has said.
Despite this, Harry will still make efforts to see his father during his upcoming UK visit, Richard Fitzwilliams claims.
Richard told The Sun: “Undoubtedly I would have thought he would want to see his father.
“We know he came over as soon as he heard that King Charles was fighting cancer.
“One must hope everyone’s interested in the rift being resolved so hopefully this might happen.
“But it will happen because of private contact, contact that we wouldn’t know existed.
“I mean, that has a far, far better chance, anyway. But the problem essentially, is one of trust.
“The Sussexes aren’t trusted by the royal family. That Oprah interview, which did so much harm went, actually went out at the time when the Duke of Edinburgh was ill in hospital.”
When Will and Kate welcomed Princess Charlotte
Prince William and Kate welcomed young Charlotte on May 2, 2015.
The announcement said: "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a daughter at 8.34 a.m."
It was then announced that her royal title would be Princess Charlotte of Cambridge.
How old is Archie?
Young royal Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor is four years old.
He is the first child of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and was christened exactly two months after his birth in the private chapel at Windsor Castle, with water from the River Jordan.
Archie is sixth in line to the throne and is the eighth great-grandchild to Queen Elizabeth II.
Kate’s party era
Before her life as a royal became too serious, Kate Middleton enjoyed the London club scene.
Following her University years, she would often be spotted hitting the town with her sister Pippa Middleton.
The pair would often take to Mahiki, which was a favourite hangout spot amongst young royals.
What’s next for King Charles?
King Charles made his public return this week as he visited cancer patients in London.
But what’s next for the King now he is ready to attend royal engagements once again?
Buckingham Palace has revealed summer schedule planning is already underway amid “a number of external engagements” in the coming weeks.
The monarch is set to host a State Visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan in the coming months.
Royal fans will also be thrilled to hear His Majesty could attend the famous Buckingham Palace Garden Party on May 8.
It is understood the King’s programme will be “carefully calibrated” with his medical team as his recovery continues.
“All future plans remain subject to doctors’ advice nearer the time,” the Palace said.
‘His rock and his best friend’
Kate Middleton is Prince William’s “rock” and “best friend”, a royal expert has said.
Former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond told The Sun: “She is his rock, his lynchpin and his best friend.
“And their marriage is a solid one and well worth a little celebration.”
Prince William ‘has never been more protective’ of Kate Middleton
Despite being married for 13 years, Prince William has “never been more protective” of Kate Middleton, an expert has said.
Former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond told The Sun: “William has never been more protective of his wife and children as now.
“He is taking special care to prioritise her health and the welfare of his young family, even in the face of some people saying he should be taking on more public engagements.
“William can be stubborn, and perhaps never more so than when it comes to his family and their privacy.”
When Will and Kate’s romance blossomed
Prince William had known Kate Middleton for a number of years before 2003.
But it was that year, as they lived together in student housing, when their romance truly blossomed.
This was the same year that Kate wore that iconic mesh dress in a charity fashion, the moment when William began seeing the future Queen as more than a friend.
Fellow student Charlotte Todd designed the dress and went on to tell People magazine: “Everyone says that the fashion show was when the romance started, so a small part of me will always be part of royal history. It’s madness!”
Poignant meaning behind Princess Charlotte's name
Princess Charlotte was born on May 2, 2015, at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, and we’ve seen her grow into a sweet “mini-me” of mum, Kate.
She was brought into the world in the infamous Lindo Wing, and weighed 8lbs 3oz.
Her full name - Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Wales - has some very sentimental ties.
Her middle names are those of both her late grandmother, Princess Diana, and her late great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.