In a delightful anecdote that’s resurfaced and charmed royal fans anew, Princess Charlotte once delivered a cheeky response to her father, Prince William, when questioned about her age, showcasing the young royal’s budding independence and wit. The story dates back to May 2021, shortly after Charlotte’s sixth birthday, when the Duke of Cambridge shared the hilarious exchange during a public engagement in the West Midlands. As William recounted, if anyone asks Charlotte her age, she boldly claims to be 16. But the real zinger came in her direct retort: “I’m six now, I’ll do whatever I want!” This sassy declaration, delivered with the confidence of a tween far beyond her years, left William amused and reflective on how quickly his children are growing up. The moment has gone viral again in late 2025, thanks to a YouTube video compilation of royal kids’ cheeky behaviors, amassing over 2 million views and reigniting discussions about Charlotte’s spirited personality.

Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, born on May 2, 2015, is the second child of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales. Now 10 years old as of 2025, she’s often seen as a mini-version of her late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, with her poised demeanor at public events. Yet, behind the scenes, Charlotte’s playful side shines through, much like her father’s anecdotes reveal. William, 43, has frequently shared glimpses into family life, emphasizing the normalcy amid their royal duties. During that 2021 outing to open a new youth center in Wolverhampton, he laughed off Charlotte’s response, adding, “They grow up very fast!” This insight came just days after the Waleses released official birthday portraits of Charlotte, beaming in a floral dress, capturing her transition from toddler to confident schoolgirl.

The story’s resurgence aligns with the royal family’s busy 2025, including Kate’s triumphant return to duties post-cancer treatment and William’s environmental initiatives. Charlotte, alongside brothers Prince George, 12, and Prince Louis, 7, has appeared at events like the Trooping the Colour and Christmas carol services, where her maturity impresses onlookers. Royal experts suggest such tales humanize the monarchy, with body language analyst Judi James noting Charlotte’s “feisty streak” mirrors Diana’s influence. Former royal butler Grant Harrold recalls similar cheekiness in young William, predicting Charlotte could become a “force to be reckoned with.”

This cheeky episode isn’t isolated; Charlotte has shown her personality in other moments, like correcting her brothers during public appearances or her enthusiastic participation in sports. As she approaches her teens, fans speculate more such stories will emerge. William and Kate prioritize a grounded upbringing at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, balancing school at Lambrook with family adventures, including their recent addition of a second cocker spaniel puppy. Amid King Charles’s health updates and palace shifts, these lighthearted family insights provide welcome relief.

The anecdote underscores the Waleses’ modern parenting—encouraging independence while fostering closeness. As one fan tweeted, “Charlotte’s sass is everything!” With her response echoing every child’s rebellious phase, it reminds us that even royals have relatable family dynamics. As Charlotte grows, her wit promises more memorable moments ahead.