When it comes to royal fashion, it’s no secret that the royal family has two heavyweights setting the trend agenda, with both Kate, Princess of Wales and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex often dominating headlines with their latest outfits – which often sell out in minutes.

Yet at the tender age of 9, the royal family could now have a new contender for budding fashionista, as Princess Charlotte looks set to follow in her stylish mother’s footsteps with her enviable sartorial choices.

The only daughter of the Prince of Wales has been commanding attention all year long with her stylish ensembles, but it’s her recent Wimbledon appearance alongside mum Kate and aunt Pippa Middleton that truly signalled a change in her personal style, as her polka dot dress echoed a very similar garment worn by her mother two years prior.

Styled with pink Rayban sunglasses and a slick of lip gloss, the outfit symbolised a bit of a “milestone” in the Princess’ fashion evolution, with one style expert explaining how it showed Charlotte’s transition from a sweet little girl into a fashion conscious tween.

Bethan Holt, Style Director at the Daily Telegraph told PEOPLE: “It felt like a bit of a milestone, like she’s transitioning from a sweet little girl in smocked floral dresses to a slightly more grown-up tween vibe.”

Although the dress did echo her mother’s style, Charlotte proved she wasn’t trying to grow up too fast, as she complimented her Guess dress, with a wealth of age appropriate accessories, including a number of handmade friendship bracelets, delicate ballet pump shoes from fashion brand Papouelli, and her signature hair braids.

Like many children her age, much of Charlotte’s wardrobe is built for functionality, with the Princess having favoured everyday garments such as Breton jumpers and playsuits, in recent snaps shared by her parents.

However, on the global stage, the young royal’s style has become to evolve, with formal occasions in particular seeing more of her personality and maturity shine through.

Take the Coronation Concert back in May 2023, when Charlotte stunned crowds in an ivory dress by Self Portrait, a stylish British brand that is already popular with other members of the royal family such as Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. 

Consisting of a layered tiered skirt and sheer puff sleeves with black bow detailing, the dress also harkened back to a very similar Self Portrait midi dress worn by her mother Princess Kate that same year.

Sharing similar colour palettes, cuts, and brands, it’s clear that Charlotte is taking style cues from her mother, while also beginning to explore her own personal style, which we will no doubt be seeing more of in the years to come.