The late Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, left behind a legacy of grace, duty, and deep family ties. A poignant photograph released in April 2023, on what would have been her 97th birthday, captured one of her final moments with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Taken by the Princess of Wales at Balmoral in the summer of 2022, this image—shared to honor the Queen’s memory—offers a glimpse into her cherished role as a grandmother. Amid the warmth of this family portrait, a comment from Princess Kate has sparked conversation about Princess Charlotte being the Queen’s favorite, igniting fascination among royal watchers.

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The photograph, set against the cozy backdrop of Balmoral Castle, shows Queen Elizabeth II seated on a green sofa, surrounded by ten of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dressed in a signature tartan skirt, the Queen beams with quiet joy, her presence anchoring the lively group. Around her are Prince George (9), Princess Charlotte (7), Prince Louis (4), Mia Tindall (9), Lena Tindall (4), Lucas Tindall (2), Savannah Phillips (12), Isla Phillips (11), Lady Louise Windsor (19), and James, Earl of Wessex (15). The image, captured just weeks before her passing on September 8, 2022, radiates warmth, with the younger royals smiling and posing naturally. Notably absent were Prince Archie, Princess Lilibet, August Brooksbank, and Sienna Mapelli Mozzi, though their absence does not diminish the photo’s emotional weight.

This snapshot, shared by the royal family on Instagram with the caption, “Today we remember the incredible life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” struck a chord with fans. It wasn’t just a tribute to the Queen’s public role but a reminder of her private devotion to her family. The image, taken by Kate, a keen photographer, mirrors an earlier 2018 photo of the Queen and Prince Philip with seven great-grandchildren, released after Philip’s death in 2021. Both images highlight the monarchy’s continuity, with the younger generation front and center.

Among the many tributes to the Queen’s bond with her family, a comment from Princess Kate in a 2016 documentary for the Queen’s 90th birthday has fueled speculation about Princess Charlotte’s special place in her great-grandmother’s heart. Kate revealed that the Queen was “very fond of Charlotte, always watching what she’s up to.” This remark, paired with the Queen’s habit of leaving small gifts in her great-grandchildren’s rooms during visits to Balmoral, Windsor, or Buckingham Palace, painted a picture of a doting grandmother. Kate’s words suggested a particular affection for Charlotte, noting how the Queen kept a close eye on her spirited personality. Fans have pointed to moments like Charlotte mimicking the Queen’s wave during Trooping the Colour as evidence of their bond, with Kate giggling at her daughter’s adorable imitation.

Royal author Phil Dampier has further amplified this narrative, noting Charlotte’s striking resemblance to the Queen in both appearance and demeanor. “Winston Churchill once said of the late Queen Elizabeth when she was a child that he had never seen such maturity in someone so young, and Charlotte seems to have inherited that trait,” Dampier told Hello! magazine. He also highlighted Charlotte’s ability to mimic public figures, a talent she shares with her great-grandmother, who reportedly had her family “in stitches” with impersonations of figures like Boris Yeltsin. This shared knack for mimicry, combined with Charlotte’s poised confidence, has led many to believe she held a special spot in the Queen’s heart.

While the Queen’s love for all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was evident—seen in her public moments with Prince George at Charlotte’s 2015 christening or her delight at Zara Tindall’s equestrian events—the focus on Charlotte has captured attention. The Queen’s interactions with her family, from balcony appearances to private Balmoral gatherings, showed her as a grandmother who cherished each child’s individuality. Yet Kate’s comment about Charlotte, coupled with their visible similarities, has sparked a narrative that resonates with fans.

The final photo, a treasure from the Queen’s last summer, encapsulates her legacy as both monarch and matriarch. It’s a reminder of the love that bound her to the next generations, with Charlotte’s presence adding a layer of intrigue.