During the historic coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla
At Westminster Abbey, all eyes were expected to remain on the newly crowned monarchs.
However, it was a brief but powerful moment involving nine-year-old
Princess Charlotte and her great-aunt, Princess Anne,
that captured attention — both inside the Abbey and across social media.
Dressed in a formal ensemble befitting the occasion, Charlotte once again impressed with her grace and composure. Yet it was her spontaneous gesture — an affectionate embrace of Princess Anne rather than Queen Camilla — that surprised many. Cameras appeared to catch a subtle reaction from Camilla, with observers noting a slight raise of the eyebrow and what some interpreted as a flash of discomfort or surprise.
Though brief, the moment sparked significant buzz online. Royal watchers praised the touching display of affection between Charlotte and Anne, with many highlighting the growing bond between the two. “Anne’s mentorship is already shaping
Charlotte into a confident and poised young royal,” one fan posted on social media. Others speculated that the Princess Royal may be preparing Charlotte for a much larger role in the future.Palace insiders suggest this bond is far from accidental. Princess Anne, known for her no-nonsense work ethic and decades of service, has taken a personal interest in mentoring her grand-niece. The pair reportedly spend considerable time together, discussing a wide range of topics — from horseback riding and ballet to royal protocol and fashion.
“She’s essentially ‘princess-proofing’ Charlotte,” one source said. “It’s not just about manners. Anne is giving her the tools to one day stand alongside her brother, Prince George, as both a loyal supporter and a capable royal figure in her own right.”
In what some describe as a bold but intentional approach, Anne is also said to be sharing historical royal missteps with Charlotte — from Prince Harry’s controversial costume scandal to Princess Beatrice’s widely critiqued hat at a royal wedding. While some aides have voiced concerns about Charlotte being exposed to such candid lessons at her age, the Princess of Wales, Catherine, is reportedly fully supportive of Anne’s guidance, calling it “invaluable.”
