Princess Charlotte, King Charles’s oldest granddaughter, is turning nine years old this week. As a doting grandparent, Charles has five grandchildren in total, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet. While George’s future as King is predetermined, the future for Charlotte and Louis is less clear. Charles expressed a sweet wish for Charlotte shortly after her birth, hoping she would look after him when he is old.
In May 2015, Charles, then Prince of Wales, visited his model town Poundbury in Dorset shortly after Charlotte’s birth. He expressed his delight at having a granddaughter, joking that he hoped she would look after him in his old age. Currently, Charlotte’s official title is HRH Princess Charlotte of Wales, but she may be bestowed another title in the future – Princess Royal. This title is traditionally given to the eldest daughter of the monarch, but it can only be passed to Charlotte after the current Princess Royal, Princess Anne, passes away. However, some experts question whether Charlotte will choose to take on the additional title or remain simply as Princess Charlotte.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe explained that the Princess Royal title is traditionally given to the eldest daughter of the monarch and remains for life. Charlotte may have to wait until Princess Anne’s passing to receive the title. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond speculated about the possibility of Charlotte becoming a working woman instead of taking on more titles in the modern era. She suggested that Charlotte might follow her parents’ example and opt to be known simply as Princess Charlotte or choose not to use the princess title at all in the future.
King Charles has shown his affection for his granddaughter Charlotte, expressing his joy at her birth and joking about the future. As the grandfather of five, Charles holds many important roles, including being a doting grandparent to his grandchildren. While some speculate about Charlotte’s future title and role in the monarchy, it remains to be seen how she will choose to navigate her royal responsibilities as she grows older. Regardless of future titles, Princess Charlotte will always hold a special place in her grandfather’s heart as his first granddaughter.
