Seven today! Princess Charlotte beams in new birthday pictures taken by her mum

Happy birthday, Princess Charlotte.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge always walk a fine balance of keeping their children out of the limelight and letting them enjoy a relatively normal childhood, while also allowing the public little glimpses of their lives as they grow older. One of their traditions is sharing a new picture of their children every year on their birthday – with mum Kate being the photographer. Last week, we got to see an adorable snap of little Louis on his fourth birthday – and today, it is his big sister Charlotte's turn, as the little princess turns seven.

Laughing into the lens and sitting in front of a field of bluebells, the fourth-in-line to the British throne wears a blue patterned blouse and jumper, as she hugs her puppy – Orla.

The Cambridges were given their new puppy in the summer of 2020 by the duchess’s brother, James Middleton, after they sadly lost their dog, Lupo.

The new birthday snaps of Charlotte were taken at Anmer Hall, the Cambridges' country home, this weekend, and it is clear to see how much the seven-year-old looks like her mother, with her sweet smile and her long, brown hair.

According to sources, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are planning on moving to the Berkshire countryside this autumn, with both George and Charlotte set to change schools as they settle into their new home.

According to royal insiders, William and Catherine are keen to move their young family out of London and to the countryside, near the duchess’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, in order to give George, Charlotte and Louis a more normal upbringing while they can.

William and Kate have been scouting out both schools and new homes in the countryside close to the duchess’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton.