At just nine years old, Charlotte is reportedly being guided on how to cope with the demands of royal life by her great-aunt, Princess Anne. The two have shared moments of laughter, reminiscing about happier times, and discussing plans for the future. Their sweet relationship is a testament to the enduring strength and unity of the royal family.
It's heartening to see that Charlotte is surrounded by strong, supportive women, from her mother to her many aunts and royal cousins. But one bond that stands out is the special connection she shares with Duchess Sophie. Sophie has been incredibly supportive of Princess Charlotte and is often seen guiding her during official outings. The Duchess of Edinburgh continues to flourish as a valued member of the British royal family. Who could forget the touching moment when Charlotte looked to Sophie during the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, knowing to curtsy with Sophie's guidance? Whether they're wearing matching friendship bracelets or chatting on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, it's clear the two share a very special bond.
Earlier this week, Duchess Sophie was seen jumping for joy at the Paris Olympics as she watched Team GB win gold in cycling. However, it wasn't just her enthusiastic reaction that caught the attention of royal watchers. It comes after King Charles was seen wearing a similar style bracelet during his recent visit to the Channel Islands, with his granddaughter, Princess Charlotte, wearing pastel versions at Wimbledon last month. Last year, Sophie was seen supporting Charlotte from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour. The pair were pictured looking closer than ever as they chatted, while Charlotte's younger brother, Prince Louis, looked at the crowds below.
Both Charlotte and Sophie share a keen interest in sports, and during the Commonwealth Games in 2022, the Duchess couldn't have been more excited to see her great-niece in the stands. Sophie's husband, Prince Edward, gave the little princess an enthusiastic wave as she took her seat alongside her mother, Catherine, at the swimming event. Another moment from the games showed Charlotte pulling a funny face for her great-aunt, smiling nonetheless as Sophie turned around for a quick chat during the England versus India women's hockey match.
During King Charles's coronation last year, Sophie and Charlotte were seen waving together from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. The royal duo looked stunning in their gorgeous gowns as they gazed over the public below. The past year has seen Princess Charlotte step out for royal engagements and celebrations more than ever before. As third in the royal line of succession, she has shown the world how she is modernizing the idea of being a "spare," supporting the heir and making her mark in the royal family. Royal correspondent Jenny Bond noted that Charlotte strikes her as a confident young lady who will undoubtedly look to her mother and great-aunt as role models.
In a surprising turn of events, Princess Anne made a guest appearance on her son-in-law Mike Tindall's podcast, offering a rare and insightful glimpse into the dynamics of the royal family. Princess Anne recounted a moment with Princess Charlotte that left her pleasantly surprised, describing how, during a family gathering, she noticed certain traits in Charlotte that mirrored her own characteristics.