For the duration of the coronavirus crisis, Prince William and Kate Middleton have been at Anmer Hall, their country home in Norfolk, with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Though they’ve been in lockdown and doing most of their work through video calls, some family traditions have carried on. Last week, Louis turned two and Kensington Palace released a photograph taken by Kate to mark the occasion. On Saturday, though, Charlotte will turn five, and they’re already planning an even bigger party to mark the day, according to the Sun.
“The family has arranged a Zoom party for her, so she can speak to family and friends,” a royal insider told the newspaper. “Then, they have put together a full plan that will give her all the fun of a birthday—including cake and games—despite the extraordinary circumstances we are faced with.”
It will be her first birthday party since she began kindergarten last fall, but the insider thinks that she won’t be disappointed by the socially-distanced celebration. “You have to realise that she doesn’t know anything different. She’s grown up with tablets and video calls, so she won’t be fazed,” “Her great-grandmother will be joining the family call on the big day. As far as Charlotte is concerned, the important part is that her whole family [is] by her side to say: ‘Happy Birthday.’”
The Cambridges have been in Norfolk for about six weeks now, and George and Charlotte’s school has moved online. The royal kids have also been helping their parents out in new ways. Over the last few weeks, they have appeared on the Kensington Palace Instagram and a telethon to show their support for Clap for Carers, and it might be the first time they’ve helped carry out official royal duties.
Despite that, the family hasn’t changed their habits too much from their usual vacations in the house: they’re still playing outside and taking their meals in the glass-lined garden room that Kate and Will added in renovations. Between the birthdays of Charlotte and Louis and Kate and William’s wedding anniversary this week, the family has plenty to keep them hopeful through tough times.
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