Princess Charlotte’s Charming Curtsy Steals Hearts at King Charles’s Coronation Concert
The Coronation Concert for King Charles III on May 7, 2023, dazzled over 20,000 attendees at Windsor Castle and 10 million viewers at home with its star-studded performances and vibrant fireworks. Yet, it was 8-year-old Princess Charlotte who captured the spotlight with a heartfelt gesture that blended royal tradition with youthful charm. As King Charles and Queen Camilla approached the royal box, Charlotte’s earnest curtsy to her grandfather became the evening’s standout moment, radiating warmth and sparking smiles across the globe.
A Royal Gesture with a Twist
As the newly crowned King Charles III and Queen Camilla made their way to their seats, Charlotte, flanked by her parents, Prince William and Catherine, and her brothers, Prince George and Prince Louis, stood to greet them. Her curtsy to the King was precise and polished, a nod to her growing ease with royal protocol. In her excitement, however, she turned away just as Camilla approached, inadvertently missing the chance to curtsy to her step-grandmother. Far from a scandal, the moment was met with grace. Camilla, 75 at the time, placed a gentle hand on Charlotte’s shoulder, offering a warm smile and a soft “hello” that diffused any awkwardness. The exchange, caught on camera, endeared the young princess to millions.
Charlotte’s Curtsy Journey: From Toddler to Poised Princess
Charlotte’s curtsies have become a hallmark of her public life, each one marking her growth within the monarchy’s traditions. Her first, at age 2 during a 2017 royal tour in Poland, was a wobbly but adorable attempt at Warsaw’s Chopin Airport. Prompted by a nudge from Catherine, Charlotte bobbed down to greet dignitaries before boarding a plane to Berlin, earning coos for her precocious effort. By Christmas 2019, at age 4, she nailed a flawless curtsy to Queen Elizabeth II during the royal family’s Sandringham church walk, blending innocence with the weight of heritage.
Her most poignant curtsy came at Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in September 2022. At 7, Charlotte delivered a composed gesture to her great-grandmother’s coffin at Westminster Abbey, a moment of quiet strength amid global grief. Each curtsy reflects her evolving understanding of duty, shaped by royal protocol that calls for women and girls to perform a slight knee bend—one foot behind the other—as a sign of respect to senior royals.
A Princess with a Historic Role
Born May 2, 2015, Charlotte made history as the first British princess to rank above her younger brother, Prince Louis, in the line of succession, thanks to the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act. Now third in line to the throne—behind her father, Prince William, and brother, Prince George—she is poised to one day hold the title of Princess Royal, following her great-aunt, Princess Anne. Her public appearances, like the coronation concert, carry lasting significance, showcasing a princess who balances tradition with a modern, relatable charm.
Charlotte’s curtsy wasn’t just a fleeting moment—it was a glimpse into the future of the monarchy. Social media buzzed on X, with fans praising her “grace beyond her years” and noting how her poise echoes her late grandmother, Princess Diana. As Charlotte grows, her small gestures continue to make a big impact, proving that even at 8, she’s a royal star in the making. What did you think of Charlotte’s curtsy? Share your thoughts below!
