Cambridge children shine at Platinum Jubilee: Best George, Charlotte and Louis photos
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee was, rightfully so, all about the Queen. As Her Majesty herself said, marking 70 years on the throne "really is a first". And she handled each event flawlessly – ma'malade sandwiches and all.
But while the Queen has had seven decades to perfect her public appearances, there were three young royals thrust into the spotlight this weekend with very little experience of crowds and cameras: the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's children.
George, eight, Charlotte, seven, and Louis, four, carried out a number of engagements over the course of the four-day jubilee celebrations, cementing both their place and importance in the future of the monarchy and acting as a visual reminder of just how close they are to the throne.
It also gave the public a chance to see the junior royals interacting with one another, their parents and wider Royal Family members – a rare treat for fans of the monarchy.
Watch: Prince Louis keeps crowds entertained with series of faces
Their jam-packed schedule – which included a trip to Cardiff, a carriage procession debut, a late-night concert and not one but two balcony appearances – and resulting screen time delighted the world. After all, as well-behaved and prepared as they may be, no young child's capable of being anything other than honest with their reactions. And nor should they be.
From Louis' moment in the spotlight at Trooping the Colour to George passionately singing along to 'Sweet Caroline' and Charlotte taking her younger brother under her wing, multiple memorable moments were created by the trio over the past four days. And hats off to them for enduring the cheers and spotlight so well as such a young age.
Their parents also deserve a round of applause for maintaining their cool under the gaze of the globe.
Buckingham Palace appearance
To the delight of the crowds gathered on The Mall – and those watching the jubilee's live coverage on television – the Queen made her second balcony appearance on Sunday afternoon, marking the end of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall joined the monarch in addition to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their three children.
Platinum Pageant
George, Charlotte and Louis joined their parents, wider family and politicians in stands outside Buckingham Palace to watch the Platinum Jubilee on Sunday 5 June. The celebratory event, which involved more than 10,000 military, performers and key workers, was topped off by Prince Louis, who kept the crowds entertained with his animated expressions and loving moments with his mum. At one point, he also hopped onto the lap of his grandfather, Prince Charles, for a cuddle.
Platinum Party at the Palace
George and Charlotte were both granted a later-than-usual bedtime to attend the Party at the Palace on Saturday evening, which ran from 7.30-10.30pm and caused some debate among fans. Louis, aged just four, was understandably absent. The pair both behaved impeccably and watched from the stands outside Buckingham Palace, with their parents sat beside them.
Cardiff visit
William and Kate surprised fans by bringing George and Charlotte to Cardiff during their fleeting visit on Saturday. The occasion marked the young prince and princess' very first public engagement.
Trooping the Colour
Trooping the Colour kickstarted the Platinum Jubilee, giving an immediate sense of just how crucial the entire Cambridge family would be in the Queen's celebrations. While all three children had previously appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the annual event, they added to their royal check-list by joining the carriage-drawn procession along with their mother and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. Then came the palace appearance, wherein Louis delighted the crowds with his many amusing expressions.
