Princess Charlotte's subtle 'steps toward independence' on outings with mum Princess Kate

Princess Charlotte's growing confidence 

It's a subtle change in behaviour that Dr. Patricia Britto, a Harley Street-based psychologist who holds a Doctorate in Professional Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology (DEdPsy) from the UCL Institute of Education, says is a positive sign. 

"At this age, children naturally start to take small steps toward independence, not because they feel less close to a parent, but because they feel secure enough to explore," she says. 

"In psychology, we talk a lot about secure attachment: the idea that a child feels safe because they trust their parent is there if they need them. When a child is comfortable walking independently in a busy, public setting, it suggests they’re regulated and confident, and can manage the environment without needing constant physical reassurance."

Charlotte's subtle body language on royal outings 

The psychologist says Charlotte's body language is even more telling of her confidence and her secure relationship with her mother when she is out in a public setting. "There's more pressure, more people, and more sensory input," Dr Patricia says of this scenario. 

"Walking calmly beside a parent rather than being guided can indicate a child feels steady internally and capable of coping, while still staying emotionally connected. And when we see this kind of behaviour across different outings, it points to a consistent pattern of growing confidence rather than a one-off moment."

Princesses Kate and Charlotte display their bond 

While it is clear Princess Charlotte is flourishing into a confident little girl, she isn't doing it all on her own. 

"Princess Kate's role is key here. She appears to offer what psychologists would call a 'secure base', staying close, attentive, and emotionally available, while allowing Charlotte to take the lead," the psychologist adds. "That balance of warmth and gentle autonomy-building is exactly what helps children develop self-belief and resilience. They learn, 'I can do this, and if I need support, it's right there.'

She concludes: "So this isn't about distance at all. In many cases, it's actually the opposite: a strong parent-child bond that gives a child the confidence to step forward, stay composed, and gradually build a stronger sense of self."