See the new Princess Charlotte Birthday Photos

From Town & Country

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are breaking recent royal tradition today and not releasing new photos of Princess Charlotte on her third birthday. Instead, Kensington Palace shared a photo of Charlotte from early this year on her first day of nursery school along with the caption "Wishing a happy third birthday to Princess Charlotte – thank you all for your lovely messages!"

The royal family's official Twitter account also shared a birthday greeting for the young princess with the same photo, which reads "Wishing HRH Princess Charlotte a very Happy 3rd Birthday!"

It has become something of a custom to release new photos of the royal children on their birthdays, since the public sees them only a few times a year. In July of 2017, for example, Kensington Palace shared this portrait of Prince George, taken by photographer Chris Jackson in honor of the young royal's fourth birthday.

And last year, Will and Kate shared this picture of their daughter, which the Duchess of Cambridge took herself.

However, given how busy a spring the royal family is having, they've opted not to share a new photo this year, so as to not overexpose young Charlotte. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will likely release an official portrait of young Prince Louis in the coming weeks, and Charlotte could be featured in that photo.

"William and Kate won't want to overexpose their children. They have never been entirely conventional so I imagine they might release a photo in their own time, and it might be one Kate takes herself," royal expert Penny Junor told Elle UK.

"A photo to commemorate the new baby's birth is hardly excessive however, and I would say, for historical purposes, it is important for there to be one."

It seems like just yesterday that Princess Charlotte made her own public debut outside the Lindo Wing, but last week she stole the show in front of those iconic wooden doors, waving to well-wishers and reporters as she went to visit her baby brother Prince Louis for the first time.

Unlike her brother George, who tends to be a bit shy in the public eye, Charlotte appears to be a born performer. She'll have another turn in the spotlight later this month. Both Charlotte and Prince George will have roles in their Uncle Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle. At this point, it's unconfirmed whether younger brother Louis will be in attendance, but given that he'll only be a few weeks old, it's unlikely.

Video: Princess Charlotte’s Cutest Moments

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