The new princess outside the hospital on May 2. (Photo: Ben Stansall/AFP)
A new princess has been born – how wonderful for the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge.
As the world celebrates with the royal couple and older brother, George, it’s hard not to feel excitement for the family. It’s hard to dislike a baby (although I’m sure some of you will roll your eyes and mutter “breeders” to yourself).
But while I was happy to hear the news, I shudder a little at the royal honourific “princess.”
I’ve never cared for the word as used by many parents the world over who gush about “my little princess.” The word conjurs up visions of Disney-like characters with long, flowing hair and giant ballgowns. It is a word I feel is akin to saying a little girl has all style, no substance.
In this case, as a real princess, this latest Cambridge will no doubt become a fashion icon. And I don’t mean just as a baby – parents rushed out to have the same outfits Prince George was photographed wearing – but the potential is there that the princess will be a fashion icon for life. That’s a pretty heavy load for a brand new baby.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is thought to be a pretty hands on mom, so I hope she has some influence to ensure her daughter has a similar childhood to her own. Kate was a sporty tomboy who wasn’t always known for her lovely hair and keen fashion sense. It would be nice if the princess could experience a similar childhood.
So here are a few other wishes I hope for the new princess:
- I hope you’re allowed to get dirty – be it playing in the mud, climbing trees, expressing your artistic side or letting ice cream drip down your chin.
- I hope you play sports if you want to – hockey would be nice (as a former field hockey player I’d say that counts as I’m not sure how popular ice hockey is in England, but I’m also Canadian, so learning to skate is probably a must). But if you want to play baseball or soccer or rugby, I hope you do. Take a page from your great aunt Anne and cousin Zara and get on a horse.
- I hope you dance (if you want to) – and that you’re allowed to be in recitals.
- I hope you’re taught you’re more than the outfit you’re wearing. You are also more than “the fourth in line to the throne.” You are beautiful, but you are also allowed to be strong and smart.
- I remember writing something similar when your brother was born, but I also hope you get to be a child. I hope you get to experience the joys of swinging at the playground, of spotting a bus or train and getting excited about it, of running and running and running until you don’t want to run anymore.
But most of all, I hope you get to be you, little princess. If your desire is to be what we stereotypically think of when we hear the word princess, then who am I, or anyone, to tell you that’s wrong?
I hope you experience life with few regrets.
I hope you grow up in a loving home with parents who adore you.
I hope you have a life full of happiness.
Welcome to the world, wee one.
