Princess Lilibet stole fans’ hearts when she was featured in a sweet family photo shared by her mother, the Duchess of Sussex, on Valentine’s Day.
The beautiful image showed the infant cradled in her father, the Duke of Sussex’s, arms, while holding a bunch of red balloons and wearing her pink ballet uniform.
Dressed in her pink dress and matching ballet tights, it is evident that Lilibet has inherited a love of the dance style, which has been a tradition in the royal family for generations.
Princess Anne studied the dance style as a child, her ballet examination certificates having previously been uncovered by Jane Pritchard, who was part of the team putting together a museum collection for the Royal Academy Dance (RAD). However, due to Princess Anne studying under a competitor dance board, ISTD, the records didn’t make the cut for the exhibition.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla continues to take her Silver Swans lessons with the RAD – becoming their patron in 2024. Elizabeth Honer, Chief Executive of the RAD told HELLO! of the royals’ long-time dedication to ballet: “ We are, as always, deeply honoured by The Royal Family’s admiration for ballet and the wider art form of dance – an admiration that extends across many years and generations. The Royal Academy of Dance has been privileged with the patronage of three Royals in our 106-year history: Queen Mary, who was patron from 1928, Queen Elizabeth II, patron from 1953 until her passing, and Queen Camilla, who has been patron since 2024.”
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesOne person in the family who also famously loved ballet, was, of course, Lilibet’s late grandmother, the Princess of Wales, who was known for her brilliant technique and regularly embraced every opportunity to share her gift.
“These are skills that carry into school and later life, not just dance”
Diana took private lessons following her marriage to the then-Prince Charles in 1981, as well as famously getting on stage during a private show for the Friends of the Royal Ballet in December 1985 at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.
© Getty Images‘Confidence building’
It seems the special hobby, while also being sentimental in the family, is a very important one for Lilibet’s development.
Celebrity Trainer & Co-Founder of OMNI Wellness, Aimee Victoria Long, explains: “Ballet helps develop coordination, balance and posture, but also a real connection to music. Children start to understand rhythm, timing and how their bodies move through space, which is all really important for brain development.
Aimee continues: “The classes are designed around how young children learn, with storytelling, props and playful exercises that help them follow instructions, interact with others and build confidence.
“It’s also brilliant for focus and emotional development. Even little ones learn to listen, take turns and move with intention, which supports confidence and self-expression as they grow. These are skills that carry into school and later life, not just dance.”
Dancing through the generations
The Princess of Wales has previously gushed about Lilibet’s cousin, Prince Charlotte’s love of the elegant dance style. Back in 2023, she told a young girl while visiting a Yorkshire textile mill: “My daughter Charlotte likes dancing, she loves ballet and tap. Keep up the dancing.”
“It’s so lovely to see ballet being passed down through generations of the royal family”
Aimee added that while it’s so wonderful to see the skill passed down through the generations of the royal family, it’s a longstanding skill, too, and will support Lilibet and Charlotte for years to come.
© Alamy Live News.Aimee adds: “It’s so lovely to see ballet being passed down through generations of the royal family too, from Princess Anne taking her Royal Academy of Dance exams as a child, to Queen Camilla enjoying her Silver Swans classes, and of course, Princess Diana’s love of dance.
“Now seeing Princess Charlotte and Princess Lilibet in their ballet outfits shows how that joy of movement really does continue through generations. Ultimately, it gives children a safe, happy space to move, imagine and express themselves while building skills that support their physical and emotional wellbeing for years to come.”
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