Royal fans have all pointed out how “grown up” Princess Charlotte looks in a new photograph released in honour of her ninth birthday today.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have released a new picture of their daughter, who was born on this day in 2015.
Now, following the release of the adorable new photo, fans have expressed their delight and collectively pointed out how much the young royal, who is third in line to the throne, is growing up.
One X user, @HelsBells63 wrote: “Happy Birthday #PrincessCharlotte Looking so grown up, and a real Daddy’s Girl for looks. Have a great day.”
Another user, @TheMorrisLand, commented: “She’s growing up so fast and isn’t she the image of her father…”
Another user, complete with a picture of a much-younger Charlotte, wrote: “Wishing the happiest of birthdays to young Princess Charlotte who turns nine today! Simply adorable as a toddler and growing up to be an absolute beauty in every way just like her Mummy.”
Alongside a few photos of Charlotte across the past nine years, another user wrote: “Omg! Growing up before our eyes! Happy birthday Princess Charlotte! I can’t believe you’re already 9-years-old! #birthdaygirl.”
The new unedited image, which shows the nine-year-old casually leaning against a fence, was taken by mum Kate at Windsor in the last few days.
Sharing the photo, the Prince and Princess of Wales wrote: “Happy 9th Birthday, Princess Charlotte! Thank you for all of the kind messages today.”
In the picture, Charlotte is sporting a maroon cardigan over the top of a navy jumper, paired with a denim skirt and dark tights.
Beaming at the camera, Charlotte is seen with her blonde hair flowing over her shoulders – a change from her typical braided hairstyle she sports at royal engagements.
Princess Charlotte – the Waleses’ middle child – was last seen publicly on Christmas Day, along with family – including her brothers, Prince George, 10, and Prince Louis, six.
A stark difference to the traditional way the couple used to release pictures of their children on the eve of their birthdays, the couple have now taken it upon themselves to release the images straight to their social media platforms.
The couple shared the image the same way that they did last week, in honour of Louis’ sixth birthday on April 23.
William and Kate are said to be cognisant of the fact that they have asked for privacy during the Princess of Wales’s cancer recovery. The couple, however, wanted to share the photograph on social media as a way to thank those who have sent birthday wishes for their daughter.
In honour of their 13th wedding anniversary earlier this week, the couple released a previously-unseen picture from their wedding day on April 29, 2011.
