WHO IS PRINCESS CHARLOTTE?

Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge is the daughter of Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. She is third in line for the British throne, after her grandfather, Prince Charles, her father Prince William and her older brother Prince George.

GRANDPARENTS

Princess Charlotte’s grandparents are Prince Charles and Princess Diana from her father’s side and Carole and Michael Middleton from her mother’s side.

THE ROYAL ARRIVAL

Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, announced they were expecting their second child in September 2014. On May 2, 2015, the Duchess went into labor and was taken to Saint Mary’s Hospital in London. Princess Charlotte was born at 8:34 am that morning, weighing 8 pounds 3 ounces. Later that day, she met big brother Prince George for the first time when William brought him to the hospital for a visit.

The full name of the newborn princess is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. Each part of her name pays special tribute to members of the royal family. “Charlotte” is a feminine form of “Charles” and honors Prince William’s father. This name is also important to her mother’s family as well, as aunt Pippa Middleton’s middle name is Charlotte. “Elizabeth” is a traditional name within the British royal family, and is the name of William’s grandmother and great-grandmother. And, lastly, the selection of “Diana” reflects the royal couple’s desire to remember William’s late mother Princess Diana.

EARLY DAYS

Princess Charlotte made her first public appearance on the day of her birth with her parents on the steps outside the hospital. They soon left to go stay at their residence at London’s Kensington Palace. Before long, the infant princess received visits from other members of the royal family, including her grandfather Prince Charles and her great-grandmother, the reigning queen Elizabeth II.