This evening, Kensington Palace decided to bless us with a candid portrait of all of your favorite royals ahead of Prince Charles' 70th birthday tomorrow. Taken in the gardens of Clarence House, the photo was captured while BBC filmed Prince Charles' documentary, Prince, Son & Heir: Charles at 70. The only person missing is the Queen. Gan Gan, where you at?
In the photo, we get our fourth (!) glimpse of seven-month-old Prince Louis in Kate's arms (we've only seen him immediately after his birth (opens in new tab), his christening, (opens in new tab) and the other day with his mom Kate and grandpa Charles (opens in new tab)). But wait—it gets better. Meghan is candidly laughing next to Harry, who has a huge smile on his face, and George and Charlotte could not look any cuter. Five-year-old George is giggling while sitting on Prince Charles' lap and three-year-old Charlotte is cuddled up next to her grandma Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall looking at whatever she's pointing at. Kate and Will look like your average parents who just want to get this thing over with.
At first glance, this seems like a casual family photo, but it actually has a significant meaning. This year, the Queen has focused on ushering in a new era for the royal family—relinquishing important duties to her new granddaughter Meghan, who will now take over her role in the Young Leaders program (opens in new tab). (The program honors exceptional young people for their work in Commonwealth nations. The Queen has dedicated her life's work to building the Commonwealth.)
An intimate documentary released a couple months ago titled Queen of the World (opens in new tab)celebrates the Queen's life, and further emphasizes how she's passing the baton to her grandchildren. (Harry has recently become the world's new favorite royal (opens in new tab), surpassing the Queen.) Perhaps the release of this photo was another big step—excluding herself to show the world the faces of the new monarchy.
RELATED STORIES
-
Mahsa Amini and the Iran Protests: What to KnowUnpacking the unrest in Iran.
-
The Best Necklaces to Add to Your Jewelry Collection
Every good outfit needs the staple accessory.
-
'Bachelor in Paradise' 2022: Everything We Know
There's a lot going on when it comes to 'Bachelor in Paradise' this year—but we probably won't get Lil Jon back.
-
People Like Prince William and Princess Kate More Than King Charles Because They're More "Approachable," Former Royal Butler Says
That definitely stands to reason.
-
The Queen Would Have Wanted Prince Harry and the Royal Family to "Patch Things Up" Before She Passed, Royal Author Says
Sadly, there's still tension there.
-
Meghan Markle Can't Win Because of "Systemic Racism," Commentator Says
Dr. Shola Mos-Shogbamimu weighs in.
-
King Charles Is Allegedly Waiting to Decide on Archie and Lilibet's Titles Until Harry's Memoir and Netflix Series Are Released
So. Much. Drama.
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Were Relieved That "The Drama Was Gone" When Harry and Meghan Left the U.K., Reportedly
Harsh.
-
Kate Middleton Won't Join Roger Federer for Their Charity Event This Week as Mourning Period Continues
Royals officially mourn the Queen until Monday.
-
Prince Harry Looked Filled With "Grief" and "Regret" as He Looked at Prince William During Queen's Funeral, Body Language Expert Suggests
:(
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Have Left the U.K. After They Missed Archie and Lilibet "Like Crazy"
Reunited and it feels so good!
