Today is Princess Charlotte‘s 9th birthday (!!!), and in keeping with tradition, her parents shared a new portrait of her to mark the occasion. Kate Middleton and Prince William posted a beautiful photo of their middle child on Instagram wishing her a happy birthday and thanking followers for all their kind messages. The Prince and Princess of Wales are also parents to Prince Louis, who turned 6 last week, and 10-year-old Prince George.
The photo — which was taken by Middleton — features a laid-back Princess Charlotte who looks so grown up (and so much like her dad!). The 9-year-old is dressed comfortably in a denim skirt, navy top, and red cardigan, and eagle-eyed fans couldn’t help but notice how the photo honors Queen Elizabeth II.
Intentional or otherwise, the setting of Princess Charlotte’s photo has a sweet and subtle nod to the late monarch. She is standing outside, leaning on a fence with pink and yellow flowers trailing down the side.
Those flowers are Clematis Elizabeths. According to Gardens Illustrated, it is one of the first plants named Queen Elizabeth II. And that’s not the flower’s only royal connection. It also has a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Award of Garden Merit. (Not too shabby.)
Of course, the flower isn’t the only thing in the photo to share a name with the late royal. ICYMI: Princess Charlotte’s full name is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. The young royal and her great-grandma were known to share more than just the moniker. They also looked so much alike (the Mountbatten-Windsor genes are strong!) and shared a love for horses.
At Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, Princess Charlotte paid tribute by wearing a diamond horseshoe brooch that was gifted to her by the Queen. It was such a sweet touch — as is standing aside the flowers that are named after the late sovereign. Ever since her passing in September 2022, members of the royal familyhave found ways to honor her memory and show how much she was — and is — loved.
Before you go, check out 20 precious photos that prove Princess Diana’s commitment to motherhood over royalty.
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