Catherine and Prince William are said to be increasingly mindful of the attention their daughter Charlotte attracts and what it could mean for her childhood.
Writing for Woman’s Day, royal commentator Phil Dampier suggested that Charlotte could become a major asset to the monarchy in years to come. At the same time, he said her parents are determined to protect her while she is still young.
They want to shield her, just as they do their other children, for as long as they can. But they also know there will come a point when she has to face the realities of royal life. According to the report, it is a careful balancing act and one they are handling well so far.
The Prince and Princess of Wales accept that they cannot keep Charlotte out of the public eye forever. However, she is only ten and, in their view, needs a stable and secure upbringing above all else. Dampier said their approach is to let her grow into her role gradually, with her comfort always coming first.
While much of the focus remains on George as the future king, Charlotte is already showing maturity beyond her years and drawing worldwide attention. Her parents are keenly aware of this and do not want her pushed into duties too quickly. They want her to enjoy as normal a childhood as possible.
A palace insider told Dampier that it is clear Charlotte will one day be a standout figure, but William and Catherine intend to manage her path carefully, as they do with all their children. Behind closed doors, they talk openly with her about her role, while making it clear she should only do what she feels comfortable with.
