Princess Charlotte | Source: Getty Images
Princess Charlotte Celebrates Birthday with Cricket and Dog Cuddles in New Video from Kate Middleton and Prince William
May 05, 2026 - 09:00 A.M.
Princess Charlotte’s 11th birthday was marked with a new video shared by Prince William and Princess Kate, offering a rare glimpse into her life. The footage shows moments with family dogs, beach activities, and cricket, highlighting a relaxed celebration for the young royal.
Princess Charlotte celebrated her 11th birthday on May 2, 2026, and her parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, marked the occasion with a personal message and a new video shared on Instagram.
The post offered a rare look at the young royal’s everyday life, featuring moments with her family, pets, and outdoor activities. The update also drew attention from royal watchers, who noted the informal tone of the celebration.
Prince William, Prince of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales attend the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on April 5, 2026 in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
A Personal Birthday Tribute
Prince William, 43, and Princess Kate, 44, shared the video alongside a short message thanking well-wishers for their support.
“Thank you for the lovely birthday messages for Princess Charlotte,” they wrote. “11 today!”
The video was set to soft background music and included a series of clips showing Charlotte in relaxed settings.
Time with Family Pets
One of the main highlights of the video was Charlotte spending time with the family’s two cocker spaniels, Orla and Otto.
In several clips, she is seen petting the dogs as they look up at her. Another moment shows her cuddling one of the spaniels while on a boat, capturing a quiet and affectionate interaction.
Beach Moments and Outdoor Play
The video also features scenes of Charlotte at the beach, where she is seen writing a message in the sand using seashells. Other clips show her running barefoot along the shoreline and playing cricket on the sand.
These moments highlight a focus on outdoor activity and a casual environment for the birthday celebration. The setting appears relaxed, with no formal events shown in the footage.
A Look at Family Life
Princess Charlotte is the second child of Prince William and Princess Kate. She is the younger sister of Prince George, 12, and the older sister of Prince Louis, 8.
The Wales family has often shared selective glimpses of their children’s lives, balancing public interest with privacy. Their most recent public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where they attended the service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor.
Britain's Princess Charlotte of Wales, Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain's Prince George of Wales, Britain's Prince Louis of Wales and Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, walk to St George's Chapel in Windsor, west of London, to attend the Easter Matins Service on April 5, 2026. | Source: Getty Images
New Portrait Released
In addition to the video, the Prince and Princess of Wales also shared a new portrait of Charlotte to mark her birthday.
The image, taken by photographer Matt Porteous, shows Charlotte standing in a field surrounded by flowers.
“Wishing Charlotte a very happy 11th birthday! 🎂,” the couple wrote in the caption accompanying the portrait.
A Growing Public Profile
As Princess Charlotte gets older, interest in her public appearances and milestones continues to grow. Birthday updates have become a regular way for the family to acknowledge these moments while maintaining a level of privacy.
The latest video, with its focus on everyday activities, offers a different perspective compared to formal engagements or public appearances.
Princess Charlotte’s 11th birthday was marked with a simple but carefully shared tribute from her parents. From beach outings to time with family pets, the footage highlighted a relaxed celebration.
