'Lots of love, H & M xo': Harry and Meghan share a touching message to niece Charlotte as they lead well-wishes on her fourth birthday - but why didn't they call her Princess?
- Duke and Duchess of Sussex led well-wishes to Charlotte on her fourth birthday
- Harry, 34, and Meghan left a comment on a Kensington Palace Instagram post
- The couple wrote: 'Happy Birthday Charlotte! Lots of Love, H & M'
- Some users criticised them for not using Charlotte's 'princess' title in the post
- Accounts for the Queen, Prince Andrew and Prince Charles also posted notes
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent Princess Charlotte a sweet message as they led royal well-wishes on her fourth birthday.
Using their official Sussex Royal Instagram handle, Harry, 34, and Meghan, 37, left a comment on a Kensington Palace birthday post, writing: 'Happy Birthday Charlotte! Lots of love, H & M xo,' along with a balloon and a cake emoji.
However some royal fans claimed Harry and Meghan's message was too informal, arguing the couple should have addressed Charlotte as 'Princess'.
They noted the social media accounts run by the staff of the Queen, the Duke of York and Prince Charles all referred to the birthday girl as 'Princess Charlotte'.
Harry and Meghan wrote a similar message to mark Louis' first birthday last month, in which they did not use the title 'Prince'.
It comes amid reports of a rift between Harry and William, with the brothers last seen together at an Easter Sunday church service where they did not speak.
Proud parents William, 36, and Kate, 37, marked Charlotte's fourth birthday today by releasing three new photos of the princess taken by the Duchess, including the one above
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent Princess Charlotte a sweet message when William and Kate shared the photo on Instagram. Pictured, Harry and Meghan together in March
Harry, 34, and Meghan, 37, shared the message from their official Sussex Royal Instagram account, writing: 'Happy Birthday Charlotte! Lots of love, H & M xo,' as seen above
The couple wrote the message in the comment section of a birthday post shared by the official Kensington Royal Instagram account, which is used by William and Kate, as seen above
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Proud parents William, 36, and Kate, 37, marked their daughter's birthday by releasing three new photos of the princess taken by the Duchess.
They were taken last month at the family's homes at Kensington Palace and Anmer Hall.
In one, Charlotte can be seen in a blue floral dress with a Peter Pan collar, taking advantage of warm spring weather in London.
The other pictures were taken at Anmer Hall on the day that Charlotte and her brother Prince George, five, were seen attending the Burnham Market Horse Trials in Norfolk in April with their cousin Mia Tindall, five.
One shows the princess racing around in the garden holding a daffodil. Her thick dark hair is escaping from a ponytail as she charges about the field. In the other shot she sits on a fence.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex commented on the photo of Charlotte sitting on the fence.
They left a similar note on Prince Louis' first birthday portraits last month, writing: 'Happy Birthday Louis! Sending lots of love from both of us.'
However, some royal fans were not impressed by the couple's informal tone.
One wrote: 'Even on Kensington Royal (her parents insta) she is referred to as Princess Charlotte.'
Another added: 'Even if they are related through Harry, she needs to call her Princess if other Royals call her that. This isn't because they're related, it's respect.'
Accounts used by the Queen, Prince Andrew and Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall have also offered their best to Charlotte as she turns four
But other Instagram users were quick to defend the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's personal touch, saying it was 'sweet' that they were clearly close to their niece.
One posted: 'I don't get why people are angry you calles her Charlotte and not Princess, oh get a life.'
A second agreed: 'Are we still living in the 30s?! Do you wear white gloves when you go out to lunch? This is absolutely ludicrous.'
Etiquette expert William Hanson noted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are entitled to drop the 'Princess' styling when referring to their niece.
He said: 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are relatives of Princess Charlotte and so are entitled to drop the styling of Princess in their communication with her.
In one of the photos, taken at Kensington Palace, Charlotte can be seen in a blue floral dress with a Peter Pan collar, taking advantage of warm spring weather in London, pictured
Treat your little princess to Charlotte's tartan skirt by Amaia
The Cambridge kids are growing up fast. Princess Charlotte turns four today!
She's pictured here in what looks like the same outfit she wore at the Burnham Market Horse Trials in Norfolk a couple of weeks ago. Doesn't she just look adorable in her tartan print skirt?
It's by Amaia, a brand that Kate has chosen to dress her children in before. We love the traditional print and straps on this design, which works well all layered up with a gray cardigan, tights and Russell & Bromley brogue boots.
Charlotte's is from the Autumn/Winter '17 collection so has now sold out, but click (right) to buy a new season version.
Or style your mini-me in one of the check print options from our edit below instead. We've found a mix of skirts and dresses that will do the trick.
One taken at Anmer Hall shows the princess racing around in the garden holding a daffodil, pictured. Her thick dark hair is escaping from a ponytail as she charges about the field
'Their Instagram has already been noted for its lightness in tone and more relaxed nature with the captions than with other royal social media accounts and yesterday’s post continued to reflect this.
'For everyone else, the correct form with Princess Charlotte it to refer to her as such, and in direct conversation as “Your Royal Highness”. There is no need to say “Ma’am” at the moment as she is a minor.'
The Royal Family Instagram account, which shares updates on the Queen and other members of the monarchy, reposted the images with the caption: 'Happy Birthday to Princess Charlotte on her fourth birthday today,' along with a cake emoji.
The Clarence House account, run by the staff of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, also shared the snaps, writing: 'A very Happy Birthday to Princess Charlotte, who turns four today,' with a balloon and cake emoji.
Prince Andrew, Charlotte's great-uncle, added his own tribute on Twitter, posting simply: 'Happy 4th Birthday Princess Charlotte!' with a present emoji.
