Princess Charlotte, the young royal who holds the third position in the line of succession to the British throne, has yet to don a tiara.
While many may assume that she will soon be wearing one, tradition suggests that royal ladies typically reserve their tiaras for their wedding day.
This means that Charlotte might have to wait until she ties the knot before she gets to sport a tiara of her own, much like her cousins Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice did during their weddings in 2018 and 2020.
However, there’s a twist in this royal tale.
Unlike her cousins, who are not full-time members of the royal family, Charlotte could follow in the footsteps of her great-aunt, Princess Anne, and her great-great-grandmother, Princess Margaret.
Both of these royals had the privilege of wearing tiaras during their youth on formal occasions.
According to royal historian Marlene Connick, there’s no strict rule preventing young royals from wearing tiaras before marriage.
Indeed, Princess Anne made headlines when she wore a tiara for her 21st birthday portrait.
She later wed Captain Mark Phillips at Westminster Abbey in 1973, but her early experiences with tiaras set a precedent.
The distinction between working royals and those who do not hold official roles may play a significant part in this tradition.
Since Princess Anne was a working royal, she had access to tiaras at various events.
Charlotte’s situation is somewhat similar.
Given that she is likely to take on royal duties as she grows older, it stands to reason that she might also be granted the opportunity to wear a tiara.
Lauren Keena, a blogger known as Ella Kay, points out that both Princess Margaret and Princess Anne wore their tiaras while attending significant events, such as state openings of Parliament and royal banquets.
In contrast, Eugenie and Beatrice do not participate in these official functions.
The timeline for when Charlotte might first wear a tiara remains unclear.
However, it’s possible that she could be seen in one as soon as her late teens.
After all, Princess Anne was first spotted wearing a tiara at just 17 years old.
Significant milestones, like her 18th and 21st birthdays, could also be occasions for formal celebrations, complete with a tiara.
As the royal family continues to evolve, Charlotte may soon find herself representing her father, Prince William, and her grandfather, King Charles, at various royal functions.
With the family becoming smaller, she might take on more responsibilities at state banquets and other official events.
Despite the allure of royal life, her parents, Prince William and Princess Kate, have expressed a desire for their children to enjoy a normal upbringing.
This means that Charlotte’s path as a working royal isn’t guaranteed.
If she decides to pursue higher education, her royal duties—and perhaps her tiara-wearing days—could be postponed until after graduation.
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