Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, born on 2 May 2015, is the second child and only daughter of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. As a granddaughter of the late King Charles III and great‑granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, her birthday is marked by quiet family traditions and official engagements that reflect both personal and ceremonial aspects of royal life. This profile explains her birth details, place in the line of succession, and how royal birthdays are observed, providing a factual, enduring reference.
Key Facts at a Glance
Below are verified attributes, dates, and context for quick reference.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Charlotte Elizabeth Diana | Official announcement |
| Date of Birth | 2 May 2015, 08:34 BST | Royal Family statement |
| Birth Place | St Mary’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom | Palace communiqué |
| Line of Succession Rank at Birth | Fourth in line to the throne | Official succession list |
| Current Position in Succession (approx.) | Sixth | Succession as of 2025–2026, after younger siblings |
| Christening Date | 5 July 2015 | Royal Household records |
| Christening Venue | Lindsey House, Kensington Palace Gardens | Official announcement |
Princess Charlotte’s Birth and Early Life
Princess Charlotte was born at 08:34 British Summer Time on 2 May 2015 at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London. Her birth was announced by the Royal Family with the customary formula, following standard protocol for royal arrivals. She was delivered by her mother, Catherine, who had travelled to hospital in early labour. The naming announcement followed several days later, confirming her name as Charlotte Elizabeth Diana in honour of her grandmothers and great‑grandmother. Her birth maintained the then‑fourth position in the line of succession, behind her grandfather, father, and older brother.
Medical and Hospital Context
Like her brother Prince Louis, Charlotte was born at St Mary’s Hospital, which has been the birthplace of several senior royals since 2013. Private Lindo Wing facilities were used, consistent with hospital policy for royal patients, ensuring discretion and medical safety. No complications were reported, and both mother and child remained at the hospital for a standard postnatal period before returning to Kensington Palace.
Name and Title
Charlotte’s full name, Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, reflects several layers of family and royal tradition. Charlotte is a personal name with historical royal resonance, Elizabeth honors her grandmother the Queen, and Diana commemorates her paternal grandmother, the late Princess of Wales. At birth she received the title Lady Charlotte Cambridge, as the granddaughter of the Prince of Wales in the male line, and a great‑granddaughter of the sovereign.
Style and Title Usage
- Lady Charlotte Cambridge — from birth until formal style updates.
- Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge — current style following her father’s creation as Prince of Wales.
The change in styling aligns with updates applied to her siblings as their father’s title evolved, illustrating how personal title adjusts with household and succession changes.
Birthday Traditions and Public Observance
Princess Charlotte’s actual birthday on 2 May is observed privately within the family. Official public celebrations, such as Trooping the Colour, are aligned instead with the sovereign’s traditional June date, a practice established for generations to ensure favourable weather for outdoor ceremonies. Her public profile has grown through selected appearances with her family, notably during Trooping the Colour balcony wave and key royal tours, where she is presented with ceremonial elements suited to her age.
Family Birthday Patterns
- 2 May: Princess Charlotte’s actual birth date, marked by family gatherings.
- June: The sovereign’s official birthday, which Charlotte attends under controlled conditions.
- Walks and balcony appearances: Carefully scheduled, often linked to major royal events.
These patterns emphasize continuity, public reassurance, and controlled exposure for younger royals, reflecting long‑standing royal communication strategy.
Place in the Line of Succession
At the time of her birth, Princess Charlotte was fourth in line to the throne. Succession reforms in 2013, implemented before her arrival, ensured that birth order, rather than gender, determines position. As new siblings have been born and as older cousins have moved ahead in marriage and family, her relative ranking has shifted. As of the early 2025–2026 period, she is positioned sixth, following the births of her younger siblings and the marriage of earlier cousins, demonstrating how succession remains a living system shaped by family events.
Succession Order Snapshot (approximate)
| Position | Name | Relation to Princess Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prince George of Cambridge | Older brother |
| 2 | Princess Charlotte of Cambridge | Self |
| 3 | Prince Louis of Cambridge | Younger brother |
| 4 | Prince Archie of Sussex | Cousin |
| 5 | Princess Lilibet of Sussex | Cousin |
Note: Succession order may evolve with future births and marriages; this table reflects the typical structure through 2025–2026.
Relationship to Broader Royal Family
Princess Charlotte is a granddaughter of the late King Charles III and a great‑granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, placing her within the senior line of the House of Windsor. Her upbringing follows modern royal expectations, balancing private family life with controlled ceremonial duties. Her relationships with cousins, particularly those in the Sussex household, illustrate the extended nature of the royal family while underscoring how personal family dynamics intersect with public institutional roles.
Family Connections at a Glance
- Father: Prince William, Prince of Wales
- Mother: Catherine, Princess of Wales
- Grandfather: King Charles III
- Grandmother: Queen Camilla
- Great‑grandmother: Queen Elizabeth II (deceased)
Public Profile and Future Role
Princess Charlotte’s public engagements remain limited but purposeful, designed to introduce her to charitable causes and national institutions as she matures. Her appearances focus on themes such as early childhood, education, and family cohesion, aligning with long‑term royal objectives of relevance and stability. As she grows, her role will likely expand within defined parameters, reflecting both personal development and institutional needs.
Anticipated Milestones
- Future State Opening balcony appearances, when appropriate.
- Continued participation in Trooping the Colour and family services.
- Potential involvement in youth‑focused charitable initiatives.