Princess Charlotte, the ten-year-old daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales, is known by a different name in the classroom, as her parents work to ensure a typical childhood.
A Royal Surname for School Life
While the world knows her as Princess Charlotte, within the grounds of Lambrook School in Berkshire, she is simply Charlotte Wales. This practice of forgoing royal titles extends to her brothers, Prince George, 12, and Prince Louis, seven, who also use the surname Wales at their prestigious school.
The choice of surname is a direct nod to their parents' principal titles. Prince William and Princess Catherine became the Prince and Princess of Wales following the accession of King Charles III. Prior to this change in 2022, after their 2011 wedding, they were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Consequently, George and Charlotte previously used the surname Cambridge during their time at a school in Battersea, south-west London.
The Pursuit of a Normal Upbringing
This decision is a cornerstone of William and Catherine's parenting philosophy. The couple are reportedly committed to providing their three children with an upbringing that is as ordinary as possible, despite their global fame and royal status.
Sources indicate that at their home in Windsor, the children are involved in everyday family life. This includes participating in household chores, playing sports, and helping out around the house. The aim is to instil a sense of normalcy, far removed from the more opulent and formal aspects of royal existence.
While Princess Charlotte is a familiar face at major royal events, from carriage processions to appearances on the Buckingham Palace balcony, her school life is deliberately kept separate. At Lambrook, she is treated just like any other pupil, allowing her to develop friendships and learn without the constant weight of her title.
A Balancing Act of Duty and Childhood
The approach highlights the modern royal family's attempt to balance public duty with private life. By allowing their children to use a surname and engage in typical childhood activities, William and Catherine hope to ground them and provide a stable foundation.
This strategy appears to be a conscious effort to learn from the past, fostering an environment where George, Charlotte, and Louis can enjoy their formative years with a degree of privacy and normality, even as they prepare for future roles within the monarchy.
