Princess Charlotte paid a touching tribute to her late great-grandmother in an new portrait photo to mark her ninth birthday.
Her mother Princess Kate took the sweet snapshot to mark her daughter's special day on 2 May. It shows Charlotte beaming with her long hair left loose as she poses in a casual denim skirt, navy top and pink cardigan.
The photograph was released on social media, along with the caption: "Happy 9th Birthday, Princess Charlotte! Thank you for all of the kind messages today."
And it didn't take long for royal watchers to spot something poignant about Charlotte's surroundings.
Princess Kate was behind the camera to capture Charlotte's birthday photoShe is stood beside a 'Clematis Elizabeth', named in honour of the late Queen. According to Gardens Illustrated, the plant - also known as 'Clematis montana var. rubens' - features pale pink flowers and a delicate scent, and was one of the first plants named for Elizabeth II.
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It's the second time in recent weeks that Kate and William have broken with their long-held tradition for releasing their children's birthday portraits.
Previously, the image would be shared with the press under embargo one day before - a pattern William and Kate have followed each year for all three of their children since they were born.
However, when Prince Louis turned six on 23 April, the couple chose to share a photo straight to social media. The couple usually release images for their children's birthdays under embargo the day before, in what was previously a long-standing pattern. But Louis' sweet snap was posted on the afternoon of his big day. The picture of birthday girl Princess Charlotte was posted in the same way, via the couple's Instagram.
Prince Louis's 6th birthday portrait (PA)It is understood the process has been changed due to the unprecedented time the family is experiencing. William and Kate are said to be aware of the fact that they have asked for privacy after the princess revealed her cancer diagnosis.
Just like her brothers, 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 to her older brother Prince George, and Kate has described the princess as "the one in charge".
This time last year, Charlotte was preparing for her grandfather the King's coronation, where she processed through Westminster Abbey hand in hand with Louis.
She wore a mini-me version of Kate's silver bullion, crystal and silver thread headpiece by Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen. Her dress was McQueen with an ivory silk crepe cape, decorated in rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock motifs – emblems which also featured on her mother's dress.
Charlotte was last seen officially in public on Christmas Day when she walked to church with her family and second cousin Mia Tindall at Sandringham. The Wales family spent quality time together during the Easter holidays following Kate's public announcement about her health.
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