Happy 1st Birthday Charlotte

On the 2nd May 2015, Princess Charlotte was born in the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, Paddington. The same birth place as her brother George, father William and uncle Harry.

The baby girl was the second child and first daughter for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. 

Almost two weeks overdue, Catherine had gone into labour at Kensington Palace the evening before. Just after 6am, the Duchess was admitted to hospital and at 8.34am, the princess was born weighing 8lb 3oz.

During the afternoon Prince William went to Kensington Palace to collect Prince George and take him to the hospital to meet his new baby sister. By all accounts the introduction went well. 

Later George was taken home by his nanny and just after 6.10pm the Duke and Duchess left hospital with their beautiful new daughter who was 4th in line to the throne. The family retired to Kensington Palace for a few days where the baby was met by her grandparents and the Queen. 

The princess was officially named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. Charlotte is thought to be the feminine version of Charles, her paternal grandfather. Elizabeth in honour of the Queen and the late Queen Mother. Diana is a touching nod to the baby's paternal grandmother, the Princess of Wales who passed away in 1997. 

The Cambridge family decamped to their country home Anmer Hall on the Sandringham Estate to begin their new life as a family of four in the relative privacy and quiet away from London. 

Charlotte was Christened on July 5th at St Mary Magdalene, Sandringham. It is the same venue for the Christening of her late grandmother Diana who also lived on the Sandringham Estate at Park House when she was a child.

Portraits of the young princess have been released at a month old, at her Christening, six months old, Christmas, and again when the family enjoyed their first skiing holiday just a few weeks ago. A portrait of the Queen and her youngest grandchildren and great grandchildren was issued two weeks ago on the occasion of Her Majesty's 90th birthday. Charlotte can be seen sitting sweetly on the Queen's lap.

Happy Birthday Princess Charlotte of Cambridge!