From Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding to Queen Elizabeth II celebrating her birthday, the world can’t get enough of the royal family. And Prince William and Kate Middleton’s kids are some of the cutest around. Prince Louis was just born in 2018, but we’ve been watching 5-year-old Prince George and 3-year-old Princess Charlotte grow up before our very eyes. Their first days of school, Kensington Palace portraits, and attendance at various events has charmed and delighted folks across the world.
Here are photos of the youngest royals that will remind you just how adorable their family really is.
1. Prince George was born on July 22, 2013
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, talk to Queen Elizabeth II with Prince George. | John Stillwell – WPA Pool/Getty Images
The world was waiting for Kate (now Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge) and Prince William to have children after their wedding in 2011. And once 2013 hit, the world couldn’t wait to see little Prince George. The Royal Family website notes he was born on July 22, 2013, at 4:24 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London. And of course, as Kate and William exited the hospital on the 23rd, they were sure to pause on the staircase of the Lindo Wing so the world could see the newborn.
2. Prince George in his official Christmas picture in 2014
Prince George sits for his official Christmas picture in a courtyard at Kensington Palace in late November of 2014. | The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge/PA Wire via Getty Images
Christmas is a time for celebrating — especially if you’re the parents of one of the sweetest royals around. In November 2014, Prince George’s official Christmas photo was released, putting him at just 16 months old.
The Telegraph notes the series of photos this one is from were taken on the steps of a courtyard in Kensington Palace. And though his parents noted he tried to get ahold of their iPad whenever possible, he was given a classic look with his attire. The tall socks, navy sweater, and knickerbocker shorts (with his hair neatly combed, of course) made him the most stylish toddler in town.
3. Prince George prepares to turn 2
Prince George turning 2 with father Prince William | Kensington Palace via Instagram
The royals are no strangers to celebrating birthdays right, and The Telegraph notes for George’s 1st birthday, he had a big family party at Kensington Palace. The queen was even in attendance as the guest of honor, and the Band of the Irish Guards played “Happy Birthday.”
When he turned 2, Kate and William decided to keep things more low-key, however. They had a family party in their home, Anmer Hall, and it was attended by several other family members.
4. Princess Charlotte was baptized in 2015
Princess Charlotte being baptized in 2015 | Kensington Palace via Instagram
On May 2, 2015, Kate and William welcomed their second child, Princess Charlotte. And as soon as she was born, she was already making history by receiving the title of Her Royal Highness — something just the sons previously automatically inherited, Good Housekeeping notes. But thanks to the queen, she was able to make an exception ahead of Charlotte’s birth.
As for her name, it’s the feminized version of Charles and honors her grandfather, Prince Charles. As for her middle names, she has two — Elizabeth and Diana. Elizabeth is in reference to the queen, and Diana is a tribute to the late princess.
5. Prince George welcomes his baby sister
Prince George with baby Princess Charlotte | Kensington Palace via Instagram
The world loved when photos of little Prince George holding his sister were released from Kensington Palace. Business Insider notes Kate took an entire set of these photos — and in all of them, George looks enamored with baby Charlotte. From the looks of it, Charlotte also didn’t seem to mind.
Around the same time as the photos, the public also got a glimpse into the many letters containing warm regards for Charlotte that Kate and William received. As you can see here, the stacks of letters took over an entire table.
6. Prince George and Princess Charlotte pose in fall foliage
Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte pose in 2015 | Kensington Palace via Instagram
This was a favorite photo from the royals in 2015 — and it’s clear why. From the beautiful background to the genuine smiling faces (even baby Charlotte is wearing one), we couldn’t get enough of William and Kate’s family. E! News explains Chris Jelf was the photographer responsible for this cute photo that was taken on the palace grounds in October.
As for capturing the photo itself, it seems Jelf had his work cut out for him. “I thoroughly enjoyed photographing a very lovely family, although you have to be sharp as you don’t have long when there are two young children involved!” he said.
7. Princess Charlotte is adorable at 1
1-year-old Princess Charlotte | Kensington Palace via Instagram
Before we could blink, Princess Charlotte was already turning a year old. Kate took this photo (as well as plenty of others that were just as cute), and she released them on social media shortly thereafter, The Telegraph notes. “We hope that everyone enjoys these lovely photos as much as we do,” the original post on Twitter mentioned.
As for how they celebrated, they kept things low-key by having a small gathering in their home and then taking Charlotte to see the queen.
8. Prince George gets ready for his first day of nursery school
Prince George on his first day of nursery school | Kensington Palace via Instagram
Like so many other families, getting photos to memorialize the first day of school is a must for the royals. USA Today explains 2-year-old George had his snapshot taken by his mother while wearing this stylish quilted coat and backpack. He attended Westacre Montessori School nursery in Norfolk.
As for why they chose this school, the family wanted something private and away from paparazzi so George could attend in peace. It seems by releasing these photos, Kate hoped the public would give them some space.
9. Princess Charlotte looks adorable outdoors
Princess Charlotte outside, 1 year old | Kensington Palace via Instagram
She may be only a year old here, but that didn’t stop little Charlotte from getting on her own two feet and attempting to walk. Here, The Telegraph notes she’s pushing a wooden trolley in the Kensington Palace yard.
At the time, Kate also mentioned that Charlotte had started moving quickly through the furniture in their home. That shouldn’t have come as too much of a surprise, however, as Prince George also started walking once he hit 11 months of age.
10. Prince George plays with bubbles in Canada
Prince George looks happily at bubbles in the air. | Chris Jackson – Pool/Getty Images
He may be small, but that doesn’t mean he’s not up for a royal excursion or two. In 2016, Prince George and Princess Charlotte had the opportunity to head to Canada for a tour with their parents, TIME explains. The tour lasted eight days and was the family’s first overseas trip since Charlotte’s birth. When they arrived in Victoria, British Columbia, they were greeted by thousands.
Here, George seems totally taken with the bubbles that were at a children’s party that was celebrating military families. We can tell this was his favorite part of the tour.
11. Princess Charlotte prepares to board a plane in Canada
Princess Charlotte leaves from Victoria Harbour to board a sea-plane on the final day of the Royal Tour of Canada on Oct. 1, 2016. | Chris Jackson/Getty Images
As the family arrived in British Columbia, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered them a warm welcome. “I know you’ve visited Canada before. But as any parent who has traveled with children knows, it’s a different experience when you bring your whole family with you,” TIME notes Trudeau said. “I want to commend you — and thank you — for introducing our part of the world to Prince George and Princess Charlotte.”
With a full itinerary and many warm welcomes for the littlest royal, Charlotte sure seemed like she was having a good time in Canada, too.
12. The kids play together on the royal tour
Kate, William, George, and Charlotte at a children’s party for military families during the Royal Tour of Canada | Chris Jackson – Pool/Getty Images
While the kids had to participate in plenty of public events, the best for them was clearly the party celebrating the military families. The balloons, bubbles, clowns, baby animals, and other children running around were enough to get any child excited. And TIME also notes the weather was perfect that day, making the event one they’ll never forget. In every photo posted from Canada, it’s clear the royals were welcomed with open arms.
13. Prince George meets President Obama in 2016
Prince George meets President Obama in 2016. | Kensington Palace via Instagram
Not many people get an invite to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, but at just 2 years old, that’s exactly where Prince George was headed. The Telegraph notes Barack Obama shook his hand and noted how adorable he was — but he also poked fun at his outfit of choice. After the meeting, Obama laughed and commented, “Last week Prince George showed up to our meeting in his bath robe. That was a slap in the face. A clear breach of protocol.”
As for George’s opinion of Obama, it’s safe to say he enjoyed playing with the rocking horse the president and first lady got for him when he was born.
14. The family poses for a snowy photo in the French Alps
Kate Middleton, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, and Prince George in the winter of 2016 | Kensington Palace via Instagram
Prince George’s pompom hat and Princess Charlotte’s full-body snowsuit were enough to get the public’s attention here. As for where they were, People reports they spent time in the French Alps for their foreign vacation of choice. And one source even noted this was the first time Prince George and Princess Charlotte played in the snow together, which they reportedly loved. Perhaps they’re learning at a young age how to ski so they become just as good as their father, too.
15. The queen celebrates her 90th birthday with George in attendance
Queen Elizabeth celebrating her 90th birthday | Kensington Palace via Instagram
It may have been the queen’s birthday, but it’s George who took center stage. During his public appearance, audiences took notice of the tiny 2-year-old over anyone else. And this photo in particular shows three generations of royal men — something not often seen in public.
As for George’s relationship with the queen, he definitely loves her a lot. At the time, Elle reports he also called her “Gan-Gan” for a nickname (which is still better than what Prince William called her, which was Gary).
16. Prince George turns 3
Prince George with a dog, about to turn 3 | Kensington Palace via Instagram
For George’s third birthday, we got more adorable photos from the royal family. This time, he’s playing with the family dog Lupo on Kensington Palace grounds, The Telegraph notes.
Photographer Matt Porteous was the one who captured George in the photos. In his words, “It was a very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. I’m honoured that they have decided to share these images with the public to mark his third birthday.” And we’re sure his party was a ton of fun for the pint-sized royal.
17. George spends quality time with his father
Prince George with his father, Prince William | Kensington Palace via Instagram
While George and Kate are undoubtedly close, there’s definitely a special bond between Prince William and his son. Marie Claire notes in many photos with George, William is often seen holding his hand or guiding him about — and that may not be a coincidence. While these royals are certainly more modern than their ancestors, U.K. expert Jasmine Peters comments that William and Kate may still be bringing traditional family values into their home. If this is the case, then William is more likely to show George the ropes of life as Kate bonds heavily with Charlotte.
18. Princess Charlotte turns 2
Princess Charlotte | HRH The Duchess of Cambridge via Getty Images
Charlotte captured hearts worldwide with this cute photo that marked her 2nd birthday. Like so many other portraits of the kids, Kate took this one, USA Today notes. And according to Kensington Palace, it was taken at the family’s country retreat, Amner Hall (also the location of many other endearing photos). We’re big fans of Charlotte’s sweater, which was perfect for the cool April day the photo was taken on. And her perfectly parted hair and knowing smile reminded everyone of Queen Elizabeth in her youth, too.
19. Everyone’s dressed up for Pippa Middleton’s wedding
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, speaks to Princess Charlotte and Prince George after the wedding of Pippa Middleton. | Arthur Edwards – WPA Pool/Getty Images
These two have played starring roles in plenty of weddings by now, one of which was for Kate Middleton’s sister, Pippa. Vanity Fair notes George was a page boy and Charlotte was a bridesmaid for the beautiful event.
As for the wedding itself, Kate actually expressed a certain level of anxiety about having the children take part, as she didn’t want there to be any behavioral disruptions. Though she was seen shushing them a few times throughout the day, everything seemed to go beautifully overall.
20. The family attends Trooping the Colour
Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince George of Cambridge look out from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade on June 17, 2017 | Chris Jackson/Getty Images
The queen’s birthday may be in April, but her parade doesn’t happen until June. Either way, Trooping the Colour is a huge deal in England, and it’s a family affair for all the royals. Town & Country explains the event dates all the way back to the 1700s when King George II combined his birthday celebration with the annual military march in the summertime. Since then, the reigning monarch (Queen Elizabeth, in this case) has been able to celebrate her birthday in the summer.
From the looks of it, the queen isn’t the only one excited for her celebration. Charlotte and George also enjoy the parade.
21. Prince George celebrates his 4th birthday
Prince George’s official 4th birthday photo | Kensington Palace via Instagram
Prince George couldn’t look happier in his 4th birthday photo. Getty Images royal photographer Chris Jackson was the one to take this image at Kensington Palace. “He is such a happy little boy and certainly injects some fun into a photoshoot!” The Telegraph reports Jackson said.
Four marks an important year for George, as his parents were also preparing him to start school full time in the coming months. But before that, there was more official royal business to attend to in Poland and Germany.
22. Charlotte joins her mother on an official trip to Germany and Poland
Prince William and Kate Middleton holding Princess Charlotte as they view helicopter models H145 and H135 before departing from Hamburg airport on the last day of their official visit to Poland and Germany. | Chris Jackson/Getty Images
This trip was all business — but that doesn’t mean little Charlotte couldn’t steal the show. CNN notes Kate and Prince William headed for Germany and Poland to bolster relations during the Brexit negotiations, and they took the children with them. Ambassadors and dignitaries alike were instantly charmed by Charlotte’s lady-like presence, as she attempted to shake their hands and smiled at them the whole time. They even gave her a mini bouquet of flowers, which she also loved. As for George, he also did his part by giving a little salute (though he was apparently a bit shyer than Charlotte was).
23. Prince George starts school at Thomas’s Battersea
Prince George starting school in 2017 | Kensington Palace via Instagram
George isn’t just going to any school — he’s attending Thomas’s Battersea, a posh co-educational facility that is incredibly sought after by prestigious families in the area, The Sun reports. As for what the school offers, it reportedly has a theater, gymnasium, ballet room, pottery room, libraries, and even a rooftop playground. And the lunch menu isn’t anything ordinary, either. George will be eating well with plenty of organic fruits and veggies, baked fish, and whole-wheat pasta.
The school doesn’t come cheap. It’ll cost the royals around $22,000 per year for George to attend.
24. Charlotte has her first day of nursery school
Princess Charlotte on her first day of nursery school | Kensington Palace via Instagram
It doesn’t get much cuter than this. Adorned in a red pea coat and a pink scarf, Charlotte looked totally ready to take on nursery school in this classic photo.
Town & Country notes Charlotte was set to attend the Willcocks Nursery School, which claims it is a “traditional nursery school which strives to maintain its ethos for high standards, excellence and good manners.” The school is conveniently located quite close to Kensington Palace, and it costs around $12,000 per year to attend.
25. Prince Louis is born in April 2018
Prince Louis’ first portrait | Kensington Palace via Instagram
On April 23, 2018, Charlotte and George received an adorable baby brother, Prince Louis. Kate gave birth to Louis Arthur Charles in the Lindo Wing of the Paddington Hospital, The Sun reports. And we’ll never forget how just hours after his birth, she looked effortlessly beautiful as crowds gathered to take photos of the newborn.
As for Kate’s pregnancy, she apparently dealt with severe morning sickness with all three of her kids. This had many speculating that this forced her to announce the pregnancy early.
26. Charlotte celebrates her 3rd birthday holding Louis
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis | Kensington Palace via Instagram
Just like the photo of George holding Charlotte, Charlotte holding Louis is a new favorite. Kate snapped the photo and Kensington Palace promptly shared the sweetness overload with the world, Vanity Fair notes. As one family friend noted, “Charlotte particularly adores Louis, to her he is like a real life doll. She is often by the Moses basket looking down and making sure he is O.K. She’s very sweet with him and so is George.”
Not only was this one of the first official portraits released of Louis, but Charlotte was also celebrating her 3rd birthday at the time. They grow up so fast.
27. The family attends Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding
Prince George, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, and Kate after the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Jane Barlow – WPA Pool/Getty Images
The whole world watched as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed — but the real showstoppers were all the children as bridesmaids and page boys. Princess Charlotte wore a beautiful white gown and flower crown to go with the other bridesmaids (all of whom were children). The little girls were also given white leather shoes monogrammed with their initials, Town & Country reports. And George joined the page boys in smaller versions of the Blues and Royals uniforms that also had their initials embroidered on the shoulder strap.
28. All little royals are in attendance for Prince Louis’ christening
Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis after Prince Louis’ christening. | Dominic Lipinski – WPA Pool/Getty Images
Prince Louis was too young to attend Meghan and Harry’s wedding, but he still had his own big day of fame for his christening. Here, we see the entire family attended the event. The BBC notes at just 11 weeks old, he was baptized by the Archbishop of Canterbury at St. James’s Palace. And this photo marks the first time all three children were seen together in public — though we’re sure Kate’s photography skills will come back in handy in the future.
29. Baby Prince Louis gets christened
Kate Middleton carries Prince Louis as they arrive for his christening service at St James’s Palace. | Dominic Lipinski – WPA Pool/Getty Images
We love this photo of Kate and Louis, as it shows just how much joy Kate brings to her family. And all attendees, which included Meghan and Harry as well as Pippa Middleton and her husband, looked so happy to be there in celebration.
It’s important to note that the gown Louis is wearing is the same one that both of his siblings also wore, says the BBC. It’s made of cream lace and satin and is a replica of a gown worn by Queen Victoria’s daughter in 1841. Though the original is obviously too delicate to wear now, this replica looked perfectly classy on Louis.
30. Prince Louis smiling after his christening
Kate Middleton and Prince Louis | Kensington Palace via Instagram
According to the BBC, Kate as thus far commented that her son is “very relaxed and peaceful” — though we’re sure their household is quite hectic with three kids. And though she’s busy with her duties as a royal, Good Housekeeping notes her body language shows just how great she is as a mom. She’s constantly photographed smiling and making eye contact with her kids to bond with them.
As for William, he’s also a great dad. He treats the kids as equals and is constantly in sync with Kate. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for the family.
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