Princess Charlotte stole the spotlight with her adorable antics, while her brother Prince George maintained a serious demeanor as they accompanied their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to Prince Philip’s service of Thanksgiving.
The six-year-old princess charmed the Archbishop of Canterbury and delighted photographers with her grand entrance at Westminster Abbey.
At one point, she even pulled a funny face upon seeing herself on a screen, prompting laughter from viewers who were captivated by her sparkling personality.
In contrast, eight-year-old Prince George, dressed in a suit and tie resembling his father’s attire, appeared more somber, possibly due to his better understanding of the seriousness of the occasion.
With a straight face, he walked alongside his father, displaying impeccable behavior throughout the service.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge decided to bring their eldest children to pay their respects to their great-grandfather, Prince Philip, making this a significant outing for the young royals who shared a close bond with him before his passing at the age of 99 last April.
Joining them at the service were Peter Philip’s daughters, Savannah (11), Anisla (10), and Emma Tindall (8), daughter of Mike and Zara Tindall.
However, all attention was on the radiant Princess Charlotte as she entered the Abbey hand-in-hand with her mother, Kate.
As they approached the Abbey’s doors, Kate, wearing a smile, whispered to her serious-looking daughter, as interpreted by expert lip-reader Jackie Press, “You can smile.”
And Charlotte obliged, flashing a smile that melted hearts.
Princess Charlotte donned a tartan dress, navy blue coat, black patent leather shoes, and a pretty ribbon in her hair for the service.
Prince George, who has accompanied his parents to several major sporting events in recent months, mirrored his father’s style with a navy blue suit and tie.
The Duchess of Cambridge held Charlotte’s hand as they made their way to their seats, positioned behind the Queen, Prince Andrew, Prince Charles, and the Duchess of Cornwall, and in front of Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, the Queen’s other grandchildren.
Both George and Charlotte exemplified impeccable behavior, clutching their orders of service as they listened attentively to the tributes honoring their great-grandfather and his extraordinary life.
At one moment, Princess Charlotte caught a glimpse of herself on a screen erected in Westminster Abbey and couldn’t help but smile at her own reflection.
Social media was abuzz with praise for her vibrant personality, with one royal fan exclaiming, “She has that spark in her.
Such a bright, spunky kid.
Go girl!”
Another admirer described her as a “cheeky cutie,” just as lovely as her mother.
Princess Charlotte has become a favorite among royal fans, thanks to her sassy and playful nature.
The six-year-old princess has been captured pulling funny faces, waving to photographers, and even cheekily sticking out her tongue during family outings.
In total, Queen Elizabeth II has 12 great-grandchildren, with 10 born before the passing of Prince Philip last April.
Among the Duke of Edinburgh’s other great-grandchildren are Princess Charlotte (6), Prince Louis (3), Lena Tindall (3), Lucas Tindall (1), August Brooksbank (1), and Sienna Mapelli-Moz (born September 2021), daughter of Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, respectively.
While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children, Archie (2) and Lilibet (9 months), remained in California, seven out of their eight grandchildren were present at the service.
Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, the Duke of Cambridge, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor, and James, Viscount VII, made a rare joint appearance.