Special Royal Moments

The story of Princess Charlotte’s first "tiara" at aunt Pippa Middleton's wedding


The young princess stole hearts in a floral crown, a delicate Victorian-inspired gown, a little red riding hood basket, along with a radiant Kate Middleton


Princess Charlotte of Wales watches an RAF flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the Coronation of King Charles III & Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023 in London, England. © Max Mumby/Indigo
UPDATED MAY 21, 2026 11:12 AM EDT

Princess Charlotte is taking on a growing presence in the media spotlight. Through her personality, her gestures, and those brief moments tied to the Crown, her place within the institution grows stronger with each passing year. Since her birth, the sweet princess has given us moments that are as charming as they are heartwarming, offering a glimpse into a future where, perhaps sooner than expected, elegance and responsibility will go hand in hand. It was back then, nearly a decade ago, when the princess stepped into her first major role alongside a splendid Kate Middleton, who held her hand throughout the entire event.

Princess Charlotte of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales during Trooping The Colour 2025 on June 14, 2025 in London© Karwai Tang
Princess Charlotte of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales during Trooping The Colour 2025 on June 14, 2025 in London

The Delicate touch of a floral crown

Stepping back to May 20, 2017, Pippa Middleton and British financier and businessman James Matthews tied the knot in the most romantic way possible. The ceremony took place at St. Mark’s Church, a venue steeped in grandeur and tradition, where the sister of the then-Duchess of Cambridge wore a flawless wedding dress. 

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews smile for the cameras after their wedding at St Mark's Church on May 20, 2017 in Englefield, England© WPA Pool
Pippa Middleton and James Matthews smile for the cameras after their wedding at St Mark's Church on May 20, 2017 in Englefield, England

Surrounded by an exquisite floral setting and the natural buzz that follows the sister of the future Queen of England, the couple starred in one of the most talked-about weddings of the season. In an atmosphere of pure romance, Kate Middleton played a special, planned role as the ultimate helper to little Charlotte, who was just two years old at the time.

Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, bridesmaid and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend for the wedding Of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews© Samir Hussein
Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, bridesmaid and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend for the wedding Of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews

The current princess, following Charles III’s ascension to the British throne, experienced her own special debut acting as a bridesmaid for her aunt under the watchful eye of her mother, Kate Middleton. It was a defining moment where the young princess turned heads, sporting a look that was perfect without being over-the-top, a crucial balance in British protocol.

Dressed in a soft ivory gown inspired by the Victorian era, Princess Charlotte's outfit was elevated by a large, dusty pink bow on the back. This broke up the neutral tones in a subtle way, perhaps as a nod to the outfit worn by her mother, the current Princess of Wales.

Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, bridesmaid and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend the wedding Of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews © Samir Hussein
Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, bridesmaid and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend the wedding Of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews

The look was paired with a wicker basket reminiscent of the classic Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale, projecting the pure innocence of the princess’s age at the time. However, the standout detail sat on her head, topped with a floral crown that once again captured her childhood innocence. Made of tiny flowers very similar to baby’s breath, it provided a delicate touch that will eventually be replaced by one of the stunning tiaras from the British royal jewelry collection.

Princess Charlotte of Cambridge attends the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews© Max Mumby/Indigo
Princess Charlotte of Cambridge attends the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews

It was a scene as familial as it was romantic, marking the little princess’s debut to the world exactly nine years ago. The anniversary of that “I do” highlights the moment the current Wales family took center stage in the royal spotlight, making way for a new generation that is coming into its own in the best possible way.

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