Charlie (can we call you that? It just feels cooler than Charlotte and we think you're going to be a modern Princess),
So welcome to the world! We hope your naps have been long, your nights restful and the adoration endless.
And as you get settled Charlie we have some words of advice. You see, in the span of a single week, Britain had a general election and the birth of a new heir to the throne. And while both are hugely important, it’s the latter that feels the most promising to Team ELLE right now. This is the first time in history a girl has been born into direct succession to the throne. You, baby Charlotte, are a powerful new symbol of change for the female population of the United Kingdom. So what kind of woman will you become? What will you stand for? And even more importantly, what will you stand against? Surprise us Charlie. This list should help you get started.
Be a princess, but don't be a 'princess.’
Ride a surfboard instead of a horse.
Marry for love not title.
Try a short haircut — a pixie, bob, fade, mullet you name it. We don’t care as long as it looks nothing like Frozen Elsa’s ponytail.
Take fashion seriously, because it’s the nation’s second biggest employer. It makes an economic difference and deserves respect. Women in power must engage with fashion.
But the Kitten heels and nude pantyhose are another matter. Step away from those immediately.
Beyoncé is always a good idea. Feel the music, know it and quote it (but maybe not ‘Bow Down Bitches’ okay?)
May you run, jump, cycle, climb, skate, ski, hike, swim, yoga flow, weight lift, soul cycle, twerk and Zumba your way to your strongest fittest self. Try doing it to Sia. You ARE titanium.
And then get dirty, be a tomboy, follow your dad into the RAF. Because a kickass spirit will only make us respect you more.
Get a job, any job. A pay-your-dues 9 to 5 will ground you, like it has the rest of us.
Learn to code, because it’s replaced Mandarin as the language of the future. Plus, you may need it to break the Internet one day (lord knows the road to hell is paved with Twitter trolls.)
Instagram filters are basically just Mayfair tinted lies. Don’t believe them.
And while we’re on the subject, maybe say no to the juice fast. Eat more than kale, quinoa and avocado toast. You’ve got bigger enemies to battle than carbs, sugar, dairy and gluten.
Cry if and when you want to, even in public and preferably while reading a good book.
Get to know Dorothy Parker, Joan Didion, Margaret Atwood, Lorrie Moore, Zadie Smith and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (we could go on and on).
Have an opinion.
And if you get stage fright, think of Tina Fey, Emma Watson and Rebel Wilson for inspiration.
Support LGBT rights — because how is this still an issue in 2015?
Be the first royal to quote Caitlin Moran in a speech.
And for the love of God, be the first to replace a Royal Tour with a speaking one. Because watching you awkwardly dance with a fleet of aboriginal warriors (while wearing a business suit, no less) isn’t fun for any of us, least of all probably you. We’d rather hear what you have to say about the gender pay gap instead.
In short, be more rebel than any other royal we've seen before. We look forward to meeting you in about 20 years.
Yours truly,
Team ELLE x
Kenya Hunt is the Editor-in-Chief of ELLE UK. Her career spans working for some of the world's most influential women’s titles on both sides of the Atlantic from her post-graduate days as an Assistant Editor at the seminal magazine, Jane, to her time as Deputy Editor of Grazia UK and ELLE UK. As the founder of R.O.O.M. Mentoring, she advocates for greater diversity within the fashion industry by providing a supportive network for some of the many talented aspiring designers, journalists and image makers of colour London has to offer. In 2021, she was recognised by The British Fashion Council for her work and given a Global Leader Of Change Award at its annual Fashion Awards. An American based in London, she lives south of the river with her husband and two sons. Her critically-acclaimed book, Girl: Essays on Black Womanhood (HarperCollins/HQ), is out now.
