New picture released for Princess Charlotte's birthday
It was taken by her mum the Princess of Wales
A new picture of Princess Charlotte has been released to mark her ninth birthday.
The Prince and Princess of Wales’ daughter is pictured outside next to a clematis plant with pink petals, in the image taken by Kate.
Charlotte’s big day comes as the Wales family navigate Kate’s cancer treatment, with the princess not carrying out any official duties since the start of the year.
The photograph was posted on the royal couple’s official X account, formerly known as Twitter, with the words “Happy 9th Birthday, Princess Charlotte!” and a cake emoji.
It also said: “Thank you for all the kind messages today.”
Princess Charlotte 'in charge'
Third in line to the throne Charlotte attends the co-educational private Lambrook School near Ascot in Berkshire, and loves dancing, especially ballet and tap.
She has a reputation for being feisty compared with her older brother George, and Kate has described the princess as “the one in charge”.
The youngster was spotted reminding George to bow to the coffin of their late great-grandmother the Queen at her state funeral, and she kept Louis in check during a Trooping the Colour by placing her hand over his to calm his over-enthusiastic waving to the crowds from the carriage.
Royal line of succession
Prince William
The Prince of Wales, Prince William will become King when his father dies. His wife the Princess of Wales will become Queen consort.
Prince George
William's oldest son, Prince George of Wales will follows his father in the line of succession.
Princess Charlotte
After Prince George comes Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince William's second child and first daughter.
Prince Louis
The youngest of William and Kate's children, Prince Louis of Wales, is next in line to the throne after his older siblings.
Prince Harry
Prince William's younger brother, Prince Harry Duke of Sussex, follows his nephews and niece in the line of succession.
Archie Mountbatten-Windsor
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's son, Prince Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, follows his father in the line of succession. Archie's younger sister Princess Lilibet Diana is next in line after Archie.
Prince Andrew
Next comes Prince Andrew Duke of York, the Queen's second son and third child.
Princess Beatrice
The Duke of York's oldest daughter, Princess Beatrice is next in line to the throne after her father. Beatrice is followed in succession by her daughter Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi.
Princess Eugenie
Prince Andrew's youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, follows her niece in the line of succession.