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Princess Charlotte’s Reaction to Seeing Herself on TV During Prince Philip’s Memorial Service Is Adorable

One of my favorite things about Princess Charlotte is that she’s always stealing the show. Examples range from her regal wave at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding to that time she stuck her tongue out at royal watchers at the King’s Cup Regatta. But during her surprise appearance at Prince Philip’s Service of Thanksgiving earlier this week, Charlotte’s scene-stealing moment was a bit more understated: It happened while she was seated in the crowd.

kate and charlotte service of thanksgiving
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Let me back up a minute—Prince Philip’s Service of Thanksgiving was held on March 29 at Westminster Abbey and was a chance to properly honor his life after a scaled-back funeral was held in April 2021 during the height of the COVID pandemic and with just 30 people in attendance. On the contrary, 1800 people attended his Service of Thanksgiving—and Charlotte, along with her brother Prince George, were amongst the surprise guests.

But, as my co-host Roberta Fiorito and I discuss on this week’s episode of the Royally Obsessed podcast (listen to the episode here!), the surprise-and-delight moment came when Princess Charlotte—who turns 7 on May 2—caught a glimpse of herself on the TVs sprinkled around the Abbey that were broadcasting the service.

Her reaction is simple and pure—she’s watching the service, her eyes trail upwards toward what is presumed to be a monitor, then she grimaces, all in the span of a few seconds or less. Relatable? I’d say so. (True story: Watching yourself on camera is one of this writer’s least favorite things to do.)

Still, moments like this always give us a glimmer of what we presume to be Charlotte’s personality. After all, Prince William has alluded to her sense of fun on many occasions.

But also, any time I see a royal—even a little one—break their composure in real time, they feel ever so slightly more human, no?

For more about Prince Philip’s Service of Thanksgiving, listen to the Royally Obsessed podcast with co-hosts Rachel Bowie and Roberta Fiorito. Subscribe now or follow us on Instagram @royallyobsessedpodcast.


Rachel Bowie Headshot

Royal family expert, a cappella alum, mom

Rachel Bowie is Senior Director of Special Projects & Royals at PureWow, where she covers parenting, fashion, wellness and money in addition to overseeing initiatives within...