Queen Elizabeth made a remark in January 2018 that has since echoed in the lives of her great-grandchildren, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The observation, made at a Sandringham church service, suggested that the older child watches over the younger. As the twins mature, the pattern appears to be playing out on the public stage.
At a Glance
- Queen Elizabeth noted the older-child dynamic between George and Charlotte.
- Kate Middleton echoed the sentiment in 2017.
- Charlotte’s public confidence was highlighted during the 2022 funeral.
- Why it matters: It hints at the future sibling bond that could shape the next generation of the monarchy.
Queen Elizabeth’s Insight
During a service in January 2018, the monarch spoke with Ellen Clay, a mother of two. While gifting a Bible to her daughter Emily, the Queen asked if Emily “looked after” her younger sister Hadleigh. Ellen answered that it was “the other way around.” The Queen replied, “It’s like that with Charlotte and George.”
Ellen’s husband Tom recalled, “The Queen was implying that Charlotte keeps an eye out for George rather than the other way around. It is often the case that a younger child is more confident. It is second child syndrome.”
Kate Middleton’s Echo
At a March 2017 event, the then-Duchess of Cambridge told a fellow attendee, “Charlotte is growing up really fast. She is the one in charge.”
The comment mirrored the Queen’s observation and has since been validated by the twins’ public conduct.
Current Dynamics
Princess Charlotte gained national attention during the Queen’s funeral procession in September 2022 when she reminded Prince George to bow, demonstrating her confidence in royal protocol.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s relationship has also been compared to that of King Charles and his younger sister, Princess Anne. The age difference between the twins is two years, the same as the gap between Charles and Anne.
Charles and Anne: A Model?
Princess Anne has long been a reliable senior royal, taking on patronages, royal tours, and investiture ceremonies. In 2025, King Charles topped his sister with the highest number of engagements, while Anne’s contributions remain notable.
If the late monarch’s observation holds, Charlotte may become a steady source of support for George once he ascends the throne.
Broader Royal Context
The idea of a supportive sibling dynamic was also highlighted by Diana’s biographer, Andrew Morton, in an August 2025 cover story. He wrote, “We all remember the days when Harry and William were joshing with one another, and it all seemed set for their relationship and the future – that Harry, as Diana always used to say, would be William’s wingman.”
Morton added, “Diana always used to say she had two boys for a reason – the younger would be there to support the older in the lonely task as future King. There is no doubt Diana would have tried to act as a peacemaker between them. If she had been around, they would have worked things out in a different way.”
Takeaways
- The Queen’s early observation has been echoed by Kate Middleton and observed in the twins’ behavior.
- Charlotte’s public confidence suggests she may play a supportive role for George.
- The dynamic mirrors that of King Charles and Princess Anne, hinting at a potential model for future sibling relationships within the royal family.
The story continues to unfold as Prince George and Princess Charlotte grow into their roles, offering a window into the evolving nature of royal family dynamics.
