Days after Princess Charlotte marked a major royal milestone, spectators have been wondering what's next for the 10-year-old.
Thankfully, commentator Richard Palmer believes her parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, have a plan in place for their little girl, especially with regards to her position in the Royal Family.
For those out of the loop with the youngster's latest achievement, it came following Charlotte's attendance at the Women's Euros final alongside her dad in Basel, Switzerland, last month.
The father-daughter duo bore witness to England retaining their title as champions after beating Spain 3-1 on penalties following goals from Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles, and Chloe Kelly.
Advert
After the Lionesses lifted their trophy, the young Princess became the first of her siblings - despite being the second oldest, after big brother Prince George - to sign an official statement using her full name.
In a congratulatory message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Charlotte - who has previously signed off messages with a single initial 'C' - used her full title, with her and 43-year-old William's message being signed off with 'W & Charlotte'.
Given that the move marked the very first time that Charlotte has used her full given name in public royal communications, questions have been raised by spectators regarding its significance.
Advert
However, her parents made the conscious decision to have the Princess use her full name.
According to royal expert Richard Palmer, who wrote a new piece for The i Paper this week, it forms part of William and Kate's plan to avoid their daughter following in the footsteps of Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, and even Princess Margaret - in feeling 'overlooked' as a 'spare', as per The Mirror.
Claiming the couple are determined to prevent both Charlotte and her little brother, seven-year-old Prince Louis, from receiving preferential treatment, Palmer penned: "In a Royal Family traditionally focused on the need to create an heir to the throne.
Advert
"And then a spare just in case something goes wrong, the Waleses want their children to have emotional security instead of giving special treatment to the chosen one."
Another royal expert, biographer Sally Bedell Smith, apparently agrees with Palmer - that more responsibility could be piled onto Charlotte as part of a newer, 'slimmed down' monarchy.
"I think this is an intelligent way to do it," she also told The i Paper. "I would imagine Charlotte will be part of the picture."
The writer went on to confess, however: "I'm not so sure about Louis."
Topics: Princess Charlotte, Royal Family, UK News, Kate Middleton, Prince William
Rhianna Benson