Princess Charlotte Shines in 2nd Birthday Photo

In advance of her second birthday tomorrow, Kensington Palace released a new photo of Princess Charlotte.

©HRH Duchess of Cambridge

The picture was posted on social media this morning.

Kensington Palace @KensingtonRoyal

In a statement, Kate and William said they “would like to thank everyone for the lovely messages they have received & hope that everyone enjoys this photograph as much as they do.” The picture was taken by the Duchess at Anmer Hall, the family’s country home. From what I can see, it looks like maybe the Princess is standing in front of baled hay.

It is a delight to watch Charlotte growing up; here you see her in the new photo and in a picture from her first birthday.

Both Photos ©HRH Duchess of Cambridge / PA Wire

This shows George and Charlotte in photos released for their first birthdays.

©John Stillwell, PA Wire / HRH Duchess of Cambridge

And on their second birthdays. (The official photo released to mark George’s second birthday is from Charlotte’s christening; that event was 3 weeks earlier than the Prince’s birthday.)

©Mario Testino/HRH Duchess of Cambridge

We have more info and details on what Charlotte wore, along with other photo montages of the children on our sister site, What Kate’s Kids Wore.

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We have two updates on Kate’s Calendar; the first involves her one-day trip to Luxembourg. The Duchess is attending commemorations of the 1867 signing of the Treaty of London, which confirmed Luxembourg’s independence and neutrality. The trip is being made at the request of the Foreign Office, and details of Kate’s itinerary were made public last week. The Duchess will call on TRH the Grand Duke & Duchess of Luxembourg at the Grand Ducal Palace; visit the Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art; see the Luxembourg City Museum; go to the Musée Dräi Eechelen; visit Place Clairefontaine, a memorial to Grand Duchess Charlotte; tour a cycling-themed festival; and meet ‘leading young Luxembourgers.”

The second bit of news is about the annual Order of the Garter ceremony in June. This year’s event has been canceled by The Queen; a special election has pushed the State Opening of Parliament back to June 19th, the same day the Garter ceremony takes place.

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Our next newsbyte regards Kate’s personal assistant, Natasha Archer. On Friday she married royal photographer Chris Jackson. Mr. Jackson shared several photos from the occasion on his Instagram account. The wedding was at the Chateau Rigaud in France. From the site: “…Rigaud offers complete privacy from the outside world and is the perfect venue for weddings, house parties and very special luxury holidays.” Ms. Archer is mentioned as a possible candidate to take the position being vacated by Rebecca Deacon when she leaves this summer. 

Chris Jackson Instagram (@ChrisJacksonGetty) Click Photo to go to Account

Our very best wishes to the couple.

Our final note covers repliKates for the Cypre Frilled top by Temperley London, we received some terrific suggestions for similar pieces that are more reasonably priced. Below left, the William Rast Christine Ruffle Peplum Top ($44.75), we show it at Dillard’s; our thanks to Janet E on the B page for this fab find. On the right, the Long Sleeve Lace Ruffle top ($90) as shown at Topshop.  There are other suggestions on our RepliKate Tops page.

Dillard’s / BBC Radio 1 / Topshop

We have some great styles on our RepliKate Earrings page, as well as our RepliKate Dresses page.

RepliKate Dresses

We have new options in most of the other categories.

We will see you Wednesday when Kate visits Farms for City Children, a program offering “intense, hands-on experience for urban children on a real farm.”