Princess Charlotte, aged 10, made a fashionable statement at Wimbledon this year with her bright pink nails. Her choice of manicure, a striking Barbie pink, sparked a digital stir among royal watchers and was met with delight by British fashion blogs when the first pictures of her appeared online, reported People. This outing marked her debut at the prestigious tennis tournament, where she joined her parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and her brother, Prince George, to watch the men's singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Charlotte's appearance at Wimbledon is part of her growing presence at key royal events, joining her family for the third consecutive year as noted by People. The event saw the royal family dressed in coordinated blue tones, an exemplification of their elegance for the summer highlight, reported Mirror. Princess Charlotte shone in a white dress accented with navy blue details and a blue bow in her hair, perfectly complementing her mother Catherine's sophisticated blue dress, which featured a bow on her left shoulder.
During the match, cameras often focused on the Royal Box, where prominent personalities such as King Felipe VI and Nicole Kidman were seated, yet it was Charlotte who captivated the audience's attention. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she cheered on the players, becoming one of the main protagonists of the Wimbledon final, according to People. Her youthful charm was further highlighted when she delicately applauded, revealing her vibrant manicure while holding a fan to cope with the heatwave that weekend.
Princess Charlotte's choice of bright pink nail polish represented a departure from the unwritten rules of the British royal family. Traditionally, female members, including the late Queen Elizabeth II, favored subdued nail colors that did not distract from their outfits, emphasized US Weekly. The late Queen famously preferred Essie's Ballet Slippers shade, a subtle pink considered a signature since 1989. Charlotte's bold choice is reminiscent of her late grandmother, Princess Diana, known for her affinity for pink and the nurturing symbolism attached to the color, as depicted in an exhibition on Princess Diana with reference to British Vogue.
While unexpected, Princess Charlotte's daring nail polish choice aligns with a broader trend within the royal family of embracing modernity and flexibility. Royal expert Omid Scobie outlined the growing adaptability within the monarchy, noting there is no strict protocol regarding dark nail polish for royal engagements. It's more about being appropriate, and as US Weekly notes, there's increasing room for such expressions during less restrictive events.
This year's Wimbledon outing marked a rare public appearance for the Princess of Wales, amidst her recovery from cancer treatment, which had kept her out of the public eye for much of 2024, reported People. Prince William and Duchess Kate, both 43 years old, shared this familial outing with their children amid a display of unity and normalcy, even as they navigate the personal challenges posed by the Princess of Wales's health.
Charlotte's decision to sport pink nail polish can be seen as both a tribute to her grandmother Diana and a gentle departure from the unwritten tradition of royal appearance, with many royal commentators wondering if this instance marks a shift in the young princess's public style preferences. Mirror reported one observer quipping about her choice: "Delighted she is wearing girly pink nail polish! One antiquated rule, down!"
The event at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London intrigued observers, noting the absence of Prince Louis, the youngest royal sibling. Louis's absence was attributed to his age, as exceptions are typically made for older children within the exclusive 74-seat Royal Box, according to Gala. This protocol highlights the special privilege of being a young member of the royal family, enjoying such prestigious events from a front-row seat.
