Why King Charles keeps wearing Princess Charlotte’s handmade bracelet to major royal events

King Charles once again sparked conversation at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but it wasn’t just his speech or his appearance alongside Queen Camilla that caught royal fans’ attention. 

Peeking out from beneath his suit sleeve was a colorful friendship bracelet, a small accessory with an especially meaningful family connection.

The handmade bracelet is believed to have been crafted by Princess Charlotte, who has quietly started a heartwarming tradition of creating friendship bracelets for members of her family. 

While it may seem like a simple piece of string, the King has repeatedly chosen to wear it during some of the monarchy’s most important public engagements, offering a rare glimpse into his close bond with his granddaughter.

Princess Charlotte’s handmade gift has become one of King Charles’ favorite accessories:

Princess Charlotte’s love of making friendship bracelets reportedly began after attending Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, where exchanging bracelets became one of the concert’s defining traditions.

© Andrew Milligan – PA Images

Prince William later confirmed that his daughter had embraced the trend. During a visit to South Africa, he was spotted wearing a blue and green beaded bracelet reading “Papa.” When asked about it, the Prince of Wales revealed its sentimental origin.

“This is a relic, if you like, from a Taylor Swift concert that my daughter decided that she wanted to create a bracelet for. She gave it to me when I came away. So I promised that I’d wear it and try not to lose it while I was out here.”

© Karwai Tang

His comments confirmed that Princess Charlotte had been making bracelets for her family, prompting royal watchers to connect the dots after King Charles and the Princess of Wales were also seen wearing handmade creations.

Royal biographers have often noted that King Charles totally adores his granddaughter, making the bracelet a subtle but meaningful reminder of their close relationship, even while carrying out the demands of public life.

© James Gill – Danehouse

King Charles keeps wearing it during the monarchy’s biggest moments:

Rather than saving the bracelet for private family gatherings, King Charles has consistently worn it during high-profile official engagements.

He first drew attention to the colorful accessory during the State Opening of Parliament in July 2024, where it could be seen beneath his ceremonial robes. Just weeks later, he wore it again while visiting Guernsey during the royal tour of the Channel Islands.

© Max Mumby/Indigo

Since then, the bracelet has become something of a signature accessory. It was visible during a walkabout in Essex in February 2026, where the King appeared to be wearing several colorful bracelets together, and once again at Trooping the Colour in June 2026, paired with his full military uniform as he greeted crowds from the Buckingham Palace balcony.

Now, the bracelet has made another appearance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, showing that the sentimental gift continues to hold a special place in the monarch’s wardrobe.

Princess Charlotte quietly started a royal family tradition:

King Charles is not the only royal proudly wearing one of Princess Charlotte’s handmade creations.

© Karwai Tang

Prince William has continued to wear his “Papa” bracelet on official trips, while the Princess of Wales has also been photographed wearing a blue friendship bracelet believed to have been made by her daughter. 

According to reports, Charlotte gifted it to Kate as a good luck charm while she prepared for the National Three Peaks Challenge following her cancer recovery, and the princess has since been seen wearing it at several major public appearances, including Wimbledon and a charity polo match.