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
-
The 11 Best New Korean Movies of 2023 (So Far)Several can't-miss thrillers are headed to the big screen this year.
-
How To Spice Up A Relationship
Four simple ways to reinvigorate that spark.
-
Doja Cat Is Red Hot for Schiaparelli's Spring 2023 Couture Show
The singer made an entrance in 30,000 red Swarovski crystals.
-
Princess Kate Just Revealed Her Workout Routine Involves Trampolining With Her Kids
I love this.
-
Prince Harry's Memoir Hasn't "Had a Profound Effect" on Princess Kate, Body Language Expert Claims
She didn't let it get to her.
-
Kim Kardashian Bought Princess Diana's Amethyst Cross for $200k, And Now It's an Amazing Meme
I'm sorry for laughing.
-
Prince William Adorably Reacted to Being Told He and Princess Kate Were Matching During a Recent Engagement
Cuties.
-
Prince Harry Needed a Drink—Or Two—Following the Release of 'Spare'
Fair enough.
-
Prince Harry Hilariously Admits to Fact-Checking 'The Crown' on 'Colbert'
LOL, love this.
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Be Invited to the Coronation But Expected Not to Attend, Source Claims
Is that a real invitation, then...?
-
Prince Harry's 'Spare' Becomes Fastest Selling Non-Fiction Book in the U.K., Only 'Harry Potter' Had Bigger First-Day Sales
It's a resounding success!
