Princess Charlotte breaks royal rule with Kate Middleton in rare appearance
Princess Charlotte has been seen out and about breaking a royal rule alongside her mother, Kate Middleton, in a rare appearance over the weekend.
The 11-year-old, who shares siblings Prince George, 13, and Prince Louis, eight, is usually kept out of the public eye while they’re at school, so Charlotte’s rare trip on London’s Elizabeth line with Kate was a surprise sighting for commuters.
The mother-daughter duo were spotted travelling through central London on Saturday (10 October), accompanied by security but sitting among members of the public.
A fellow passenger told HELLO!: "They spoke to members of the public sitting across from them. They had security with them, and Catherine held Charlotte's hand getting off at Tottenham Court Road. The security didn't make it obvious they were there, and they tried to make it as 'normal' as possible."
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The source added: "Catherine had her phone with her and was looking at her phone for a couple of minutes. They seemed very relaxed and were chatting together, smiling. It was a brief interaction with people opposite them, but they seemed very happy."
Charlotte reportedly looked 'amazed' as she took in the carriage before getting off at Tottenham Court Road.
It’s not known where they were headed, but Kate and Charlotte have previously enjoyed mother-daughter outings to the ballet.
Back in 2024, Prince William opened up about Charlotte's interest in dance while meeting 10-year-old student Ruby Davies.
"Charlotte loves her dancing and performing as well, so I’m going to show her your video when I get home, see where I’ve been today," the future King told her.
Saturday's day out in London broke with the royals' usual travel arrangements, as senior members of the family typically travel with security in chauffeur-driven cars or use helicopters, particularly when attending official engagements.
Taking a public train meant Kate and Charlotte shared a carriage with everyday passengers, making the outing an unusual glimpse of royal life.
With that said, however, it’s not a formal rule that royals can’t use public transport.
The family have occasionally surprised commuters: Kate and Prince William rode the Elizabeth line in 2023, travelling to Soho ahead of King Charles' coronation.
Kate also joined the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at Baker Street station in 2013 to mark 150 years of the Underground, saying she 'missed' travelling by public transport.
Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Elizabeth line on 17 May 2022 during her Platinum Jubilee year.
Topics: Royal Family, UK News, Princess Charlotte, Kate Middleton
Rhiannon Ingle