Royal Expert Explains Why Charlotte May Become a Working Royal — but Louis Likely Won’t
Princess Charlotte is only 10, but she’s already showing signs she could have a serious royal role in the future. From her composed public appearances to the way she confidently keeps her brothers in check, there’s a growing sense among royal watchers that Charlotte is being prepared for more than just ceremonial duties. And the idea is being echoed behind Palace walls, too, with insiders suggesting that her great-aunt, Princess Anne, has quietly stepped in to help guide Charlotte, possibly with one title in mind, Princess Royal.
While Prince George is being groomed to become king one day, royal commentators have recently suggested that the Prince and Princess of Wales are preparing to forgo the royal playbook when it comes to what’s expected of Charlotte and Prince Louis. But Charlotte seems to be developing her own space within the Firm. Her public presence has grown more polished over the last year, with milestones like signing off her first official social media post and attending high-profile events like the UEFA Euros final with her father.
But it’s her behavior during official moments that’s caught the most attention. At Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, Charlotte was seen gently reminding George to bow. And during last year’s Trooping the Color, she also subtly nudged Prince Louis when he got a little too excited on the balcony, Marie Claire reported. These small but telling moments have earned her comparisons to her late grandmother, Princess Diana, not just for her looks, which in some photographs are strikingly similar, but also for her grace and calm under pressure. Louis, meanwhile, who is fourth in line, has largely been kept away from the spotlight, other than his cheeky balcony appearances.
Earlier this year, royal commentator Phil Dampier said, “William and Kate see George as primus inter pares—first among equals. Yes, he’s the future king, but the way things are going, Charlotte and Louis may have major roles too.” Although it’s too early to know what exact role Charlotte will take on, many believe she’s being readied for a more permanent position within the royal fold. Royal author Sally Bedell Smith told The I Paper, “I would imagine Charlotte will be part of the picture. I’m not so sure about Louis.” Historically, siblings of the monarch have automatically been given royal roles. But royal expert Ingrid Seward explained, "It’s not like it was in Charles’s youth; nowadays, children make their own decisions. It’s just so different from when even William was brought up. I think children have immense choices now that they didn’t have even 15 years ago."
Prince William and Princess Kate have made it clear they want all three of their children to have as normal a childhood as possible. Still, insiders say they’re also mindful of the royal family’s future, and who might step in when the spotlight inevitably shifts. While Louis’ future role remains unclear, Charlotte may already have a path ahead, and it could mirror that of Anne, one of the most respected working royals today.
“Charlotte will potentially become the Princess Royal one day when her father, Prince William, is the monarch,” a source close to the family revealed. “This has many royal analysts excited, especially since the current title holder, Anne, is believed to be giving her great-niece a crash course in how to carry herself in the role.” According to the source, Anne’s lessons go beyond just formal protocol. “Anne’s 'training,' if you will, isn’t just about rank, file, and curtsies,” they said. “She’s shown her how to spark conversations, but also how to end one and move on without upsetting anyone.” That balance of being polite but firm is something that Anne has mastered over the decades. The source added, “They couldn’t imagine a better role model than Anne, who doesn’t put a foot wrong and still has her opinions heard and respected.”