Princess Charlotte, the 10-year-old daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales, effortlessly captured hearts and headlines at King Charles III’s annual pre-Christmas lunch on December 16, 2025. Held at Buckingham Palace, the private gathering brought together members of the extended royal family for a festive celebration ahead of the holiday season. Amid the arrivals of senior royals, it was young Charlotte who emerged as the undeniable star, looking every bit the festive fairy in a stunning ruby red velvet dress that perfectly embodied the magic of Christmas.

The pre-Christmas lunch is a cherished tradition in the British royal family, one that dates back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and has been warmly continued by King Charles. Typically hosted in mid-December, the event allows the monarch to gather with relatives who may not join the core group at Sandringham for the official Christmas celebrations. This year’s lunch was no exception, drawing a warm assembly of family members to Buckingham Palace on a crisp winter afternoon. Among the guests were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh with their daughter Lady Louise Windsor, Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who arrived smiling despite a challenging year for their branch of the family.

Yet, as cars pulled up to the palace gates and photographers captured the comings and goings, all eyes quickly turned to the Wales family. Prince William drove his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and their three children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, 7—creating a picture-perfect family moment. The children, known for their poised public appearances, were dressed impeccably for the occasion, continuing the Wales family’s tradition of coordinated yet age-appropriate outfits.

Princess Charlotte, seated prominently and beaming with confidence, wore a beautiful ruby red velvet dress that instantly evoked the warmth and richness of the holiday season. The dress featured a smart Peter Pan collar and a simple, elegant silhouette that highlighted its luxurious fabric without overwhelming the young princess. Velvet, with its soft sheen and plush texture, is a timeless choice for winter festivities, and on Charlotte, it transformed her into a delightful Christmas fairy. Paired with a matching red ribbon tied into a neat bow in her long brunette hair, the look was both sophisticated and sweetly youthful. The bow, a recurring accessory in Charlotte’s recent appearances, added a playful touch that tied her ensemble together flawlessly.

What made Charlotte’s outfit particularly enchanting was its “unfussy” nature—a quality that fashion observers have long praised in the young royal’s wardrobe choices. Unlike overly embellished or trendy pieces that might dominate a child’s frame, her ruby velvet dress prioritized comfort, practicality, and classic appeal. The deep crimson hue nodded to traditional Christmas colors, while the velvet material provided warmth suitable for the chilly December day. Experts in children’s fashion note that velvet is an ideal fabric for young ones during the holidays: it traps air for insulation, feels luxurious against the skin, and photographs beautifully under winter light. For active children like Charlotte, who is often seen engaging enthusiastically at public events, the dress allowed ease of movement without sacrificing elegance.

Adding to the charm was the subtle coordination with her mother, the Princess of Wales. Catherine looked radiant in a vibrant red Alessandra Rich dress featuring a pussybow collar and a whimsical pattern of white polka dots interspersed with tiny hearts. She styled her hair in a half-up, half-down do, secured with a large black velvet bow—a sophisticated take on the trend. While Charlotte’s bow was a bright red ribbon matching her dress, the mother-daughter duo’s shared accessory created a tender visual link, highlighting their close bond. This matching element has become a signature for the pair in recent years, delighting royal watchers who see echoes of Catherine’s own elegant style emerging in her daughter.

The rest of the Wales children complemented the festive theme impeccably. Prince George, ever the young gentleman, donned a sharp navy suit with a white shirt and a patterned blue tie, looking remarkably grown-up at 12. Little Prince Louis, at 7, mirrored his brother’s smart attire in a similar navy ensemble, though his expressive faces—as always—added a dash of playful energy to the proceedings. Prince William, driving the family, opted for a classic navy suit that tied the group’s looks together. The overall coordination in shades of red, navy, and burgundy reflected the thoughtful planning that goes into royal family appearances, especially during the holiday season when unity and tradition take center stage.

Princess Charlotte’s standout moment at the lunch comes as no surprise to those who have followed her public journey. From her earliest appearances as a toddler waving enthusiastically from palace balconies, Charlotte has grown into a confident and charismatic young royal. At 10 years old, she is often noted for her poise, her protective glances toward her younger brother Louis, and her increasing resemblance to both her mother and her late grandmother, Princess Diana. Her choice of velvet echoed past royal holiday styles—velvet has long been a favorite for its opulent yet comfortable feel, reminiscent of childhood fairy tales and winter wonderlands.

Fashion stylists specializing in children’s wear have hailed Charlotte’s look as an exemplary model for holiday dressing. The simplicity of the dress, with its clean lines and thoughtful details like the collar, strikes a balance between festive flair and everyday wearability. In a season often filled with sequins and sparkle, Charlotte’s unfussy approach feels refreshing and timeless. Parents around the world look to her outfits for inspiration, seeking pieces that allow children to feel special without restricting play or comfort. Deep jewel tones like her ruby red are recommended for their versatility and photogenic quality, pairing beautifully with knits or wool accessories for layered winter looks.

The pre-Christmas lunch itself, while private, offers a glimpse into the royal family’s warmer, more relaxed side away from formal duties. King Charles, continuing his mother’s legacy, uses the occasion to foster family ties before the more structured celebrations at Sandringham. This year, the gathering carried added significance following a period of health challenges and transitions within the monarchy. Seeing the younger generation, particularly the Wales children, participate so joyfully underscores the continuity and vitality of the institution.

As the Wales family arrived, Charlotte’s radiant smile and enchanting outfit stole the spotlight, reminding everyone of the pure joy that children bring to royal occasions. Her ruby velvet dress wasn’t just clothing—it was a sprinkle of Christmas magic, embodying innocence, tradition, and the promise of future generations. In a world that often fixates on the adults of the royal family, moments like these highlight why Princess Charlotte is increasingly becoming a beloved figure in her own right. As the holidays approach, her festive fairy appearance serves as a heartwarming reminder of the season’s true spirit: family, warmth, and a touch of wonder.