Princess Charlotte praised for poise and composure at King Charles's birthday parade

Princess Charlotte, 11, drew widespread praise for her composure and self-assurance at the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Saturday, with a body language expert singling her out as a role model for her brothers, Prince George and Prince Louis, at royal engagements. She was notably the first to stand to attention during the opening notes of the national anthem, while her brothers were still catching up.

HELLO! spoke to Body Language Expert Darren Stanton, who analysed Charlotte's conduct throughout the event.

Charlotte leads by example

Charlotte arrived at the ceremony alongside her mother, Princess Kate, and her brothers, travelling to the palace by carriage before joining Prince William, King Charles, and Queen Camilla on the balcony for the King's official birthday celebrations. She was dressed in a white Alessandra Rich dress with a matching hair bow and ballet flats. Her brothers wore matching navy suits with baby blue ties, which complemented Kate's Catherine Walker ensemble and Philip Treacy hat.

"Charlotte is on her best behaviour. We can see that she's conscious that she is expected to portray herself in the best way possible during important occasions while facing the public," Stanton explained. "It's clear she is poised, but she remains natural and doesn't look uncomfortable. Her body language is relaxed and at ease, telling us she feels in control of the situation," he added.

Setting the tone for her brothers

Stanton noted that Charlotte's composure stands in contrast to her brothers, who can be less predictable at formal engagements. "She's setting an example for George and Louis, who can be slightly more unpredictable when it comes to attending public events with Kate and William. Charlotte is leading the way here in terms of how to behave accordingly. She comes across as in control and wanting to make her parents proud," he said.

Stanton added that Charlotte's focus never wavers, even when those around her are distracted. "She remains focused, stoic, and determined. We see this through maintaining perfect posture, as well as actively keeping her hands relaxed and to the side. When we look at her facial expressions too, we can see that she is displaying natural smiles while maintaining genuine eye contact," he said.

A strong personality from an early age

Charlotte has long been regarded as the most self-assured of the Wales children, a quality that has been noted at the highest levels of the Royal Family. The late Queen Elizabeth commented on her great-granddaughter's strong character in 2018 during a church service in Sandringham, speaking to mother of two Ellen Clay.

Elizabeth reportedly asked Ellen whether her elder daughter Emily looked after her younger sister, Hadleigh, to which Ellen said it was "the other way around." "It's like that with Charlotte and George," the Queen replied. Ellen's husband, Tom, later reflected: "The Queen was implying that Charlotte keeps an eye out for George rather than the other way around. It is often the case that a younger child is more confident. It is second child syndrome."

Charlotte also demonstrated her awareness of royal protocol in 2022, when she reminded George to bow during Queen Elizabeth's funeral procession.