Princess Charlotte, despite her royal status, uses a more common surname while attending school to experience a typical childhood. This approach is part of a broader effort by her parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, to provide their children with as normal a life as possible. At school, Charlotte is known as “Charlotte Cambridge,” a simpler version of her full title, Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge.
This tradition of using a family title as a surname is consistent within the royal family, as her older brother Prince George goes by “George Cambridge,” and their father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry, previously used “Wales” as their surname during their school years and military service.
The use of these simplified surnames aims to help the royal children blend in with their peers and avoid standing out due to their royal heritage. This practice allows them to engage more freely in everyday school activities without the added attention their royal titles would bring. The Wales family, including Charlotte, George, and their younger brother Louis, attends Lambrook School in Berkshire. Before this, Charlotte and George were students at Thomas’s Battersea in South London. The move to Lambrook came as the family relocated closer to Windsor, a decision made to support their desire for a more private and less public life.
In addition to the simplified surnames, Princess Charlotte also has affectionate nicknames within her family. Prince William has referred to her as “Mignonette,” a French term meaning “small, sweet, and delicate,” while Kate Middleton, her mother, often calls her “Lottie.” These nicknames highlight the personal and intimate side of royal life, contrasting with the formality often associated with their public personas.
This strategy of using non-royal names and encouraging a normal school experience is not unique to Charlotte. It mirrors the upbringing of her father, Prince William, and her uncle, Prince Harry. Both men experienced a relatively normal childhood, despite their royal responsibilities, by using the surname “Wales,” derived from their father’s title as Prince of Wales. This approach extends to their schooling and military careers, furthering the royal family’s long-standing tradition of balancing public duties with personal privacy.
Overall, the decision for Princess Charlotte and her siblings to use simpler names at school reflects a conscious effort by Prince William and Kate Middleton to shield their children from the pressures and scrutiny that come with being royal. By fostering a sense of normalcy, they hope to provide their children with the freedom to grow and learn in an environment that prioritizes their personal development and well-being over their public identities.
