Princess Charlotte’s subtle ‘steps toward independence’ on outings with mum Kate Middleton

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. 

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“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 

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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. 

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“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.’

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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.”