New Photo of Princess Charlotte Stuns Fans as She Turns 10 and Kate Middleton Snaps Candid Shot Herself

Princess Charlotte is officially in double digits — and her proud parents made sure the world noticed! On May 2, 2025, the little royal turned 10, and the milestone was marked with a sweet tribute that left fans swooning.
Prince William and Kate Middleton took to their official Instagram account to wish their daughter a happy birthday — and what they shared was nothing short of stunning. The post featured a brand-new portrait of Charlotte, and it instantly became the talk of royal watchers worldwide.
What made the birthday tribute even more special was who stood behind the camera. It wasn’t a palace photographer or a press agency. The portrait was taken by none other than Kate Middleton herself, proving once again she’s the Royal Family’s unofficial shutterbug.
In the snapshot, Charlotte looks effortlessly stylish and adventurous, donning a camouflage-style coat and blue trousers. With a mountain backpack slung over her shoulders, she beams at the camera — a true princess of the great outdoors.
The picturesque setting behind her adds to the photo’s charm. Taken during a recent family getaway to Cumbria, the rolling hills and fresh greenery serve as a perfect backdrop for this major milestone moment.
“Happy 10th Birthday Princess Charlotte!” the caption read, followed by a simple black heart emoji. The image credit was given directly to “The Princess of Wales” along with a camera emoji, subtly highlighting Kate’s creative eye.
Kensington Palace confirmed that Kate snapped the photo using her iPhone — a modern touch that fans loved. It’s clear the Princess of Wales has a knack for capturing her children in their most natural and joyful states.
This isn’t the first time the Wales family has released personal portraits to mark their children’s birthdays. Just last week, they celebrated Prince Louis turning seven with an equally adorable photo taken in Norfolk.
Louis’ portrait was captured by professional photographer Josh Shinner, but Charlotte’s milestone image felt more intimate, more personal — as though it came straight from a treasured family album.
Read More: Princess Charlotte’s Shocking Birth Controversy Revealed by Former Royal Aide
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. The family had just returned from a two-day visit to Scotland, and Kate had notably skipped a key royal engagement at Windsor Castle to be home in time for Charlotte’s special day.
The move stirred speculation about royal tension, but fans overwhelmingly supported Kate’s choice to prioritize her daughter over formal obligations. As one royal follower put it, “A mother before a princess — that’s why we love her.”
Princess Charlotte, born on May 2, 2015, at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, is the second child of Prince William and Kate Middleton. She is currently third in line to the British throne, following her father and older brother Prince George.
Her full name, Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, carries deep royal significance. It honors both her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and her late grandmother, Princess Diana — a touching tribute that fans never forget.
Charlotte has grown up under the public eye, but her parents have always maintained a balance between royal duties and giving their children a grounded upbringing. Moments like these show just how much effort goes into that.
The release of her 10th birthday portrait felt less like a royal duty and more like a heartfelt message from a loving family. It reminded the public that behind the palaces and titles, these are parents celebrating a daughter they adore.
And if the smiles, scenery, and sentiment in this photo are any indication, Charlotte had a birthday that was fit for a princess — but grounded in the warmth of home.