Proud parents Princess Katherine and Prince William released a new photo of their daughter, Princess Charlotte, to celebrate her ninth birthday on May 2nd. Among those sending special messages to mark the occasion was King Charles, who shared a heartfelt wish for his beloved eldest granddaughter. The photo, taken by Princess Katherine at Windsor over the weekend, continues the tradition of the Princess of Wales photographing her children’s milestone moments, a role she has embraced as an “enthusiastic amateur photographer.”

The official Instagram account of the royal family, which provides updates on the King and Queen Consort’s work, reposted the image, accompanied by a sticker reading “Happy Birthday.” As the third in line to the throne, Princess Charlotte has seen her public profile rise significantly since her grandfather, King Charles, ascended to the throne. In a sweet remark made shortly after Charlotte’s birth in 2015, King Charles expressed his excitement at having a granddaughter, saying, “She’s beautiful. I was hoping for a granddaughter—someone to look after me when I’m very old.”

King Charles’ affection for Charlotte has continued to shine through over the years, and royal insiders have revealed that the young princess is set for a bright future. A recent book claimed that the King has reserved one of the most prestigious royal titles for Charlotte when she comes of age. Although Charles granted his brother, Prince Edward, the title of Duke of Edinburgh, it is understood that the title will revert to the Crown upon Edward’s death. Charles has reportedly made it clear that Princess Charlotte is in line to become the next Duchess of Edinburgh.

King Charles’ close relationship with Charlotte is rarely highlighted in public, but royal fans eagerly observe their interactions during events. One such moment went viral recently, showing footage from the 2022 Together at Christmas carol service hosted by Princess Katherine at Westminster Abbey. In the clip, King Charles warmly greeted his family, including Princess Charlotte, with a kiss on the cheek, prompting fans to share the sweet moment on social media.

While the royal family has celebrated happy occasions, 2024 has brought significant challenges. After weeks of speculation regarding Princess Katherine’s health, it was finally revealed that she is battling cancer. The couple had tried to maintain privacy, but the public’s demand for information made it impossible. Despite the difficult circumstances, Katherine remains optimistic, and her medical team expects her to make a full recovery.

The heartbreaking reality is that William and Katherine had to take time away from their royal duties to prepare their children for the changes in their family dynamic. Although deeply saddened, sources indicate that George, Charlotte, and Louie are coping well and continue to support their mother through her journey. The family’s resilience in facing this ordeal has been a testament to their unity and strength.