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TODAY is Princess Charlotte's fourth birthday, and Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are among those who've sent their best wishes.

But unfortunately for the couple, their choice of message hasn't gone down well with some royal fans.

 Kensington Palace has released three new photographs of Princess Charlotte to celebrate her fourth birthday
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Kensington Palace has released three new photographs of Princess Charlotte to celebrate her fourth birthdayCredit: PA:Press Association

To mark the special day, Kensington Palace last night shared three new photographs of Charlotte.

They were taken in April by her mother Kate Middleton, at Kensington Palace and at the Cambridges' family home in Norfolk.

Meghan, 37, and 34-year-old Harry - who are due to become parents themselves any day now - commented on one of the pictures: "Happy Birthday Charlotte! Lots of love, H and M xo."

It was a sweet and simple post - but it was this casual demeanour that left a few fans up in arms.

 Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are about to have a son or daughter of their own
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are about to have a son or daughter of their ownCredit: PA:Press Association
 Meghan and Harry left this simple message on the Palace's post
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Meghan and Harry left this simple message on the Palace's postCredit: Instagram

While most people seemed to approve of the pair's kind words, others took issue with the fact that they hadn't referred to Charlotte as "Princess".

One wrote: "Even on Kensington Royal (her parents' insta) she is referred to as Princess Charlotte. Meghan is just being disrespectful like she was to Prince Louis."

Another commented: "So why they call her princess? Because it's a sign of respect!! Even Queen's account calls her princess."

Other messages included: "*Princess Charlotte, every other Royal account addresses the Princess by her proper title maybe you should as well," and: "It's a message on an official platform. This is not a WhatsApp message! Or a phone call."

 Kate Middleton (pictured with husband Prince William) took the cute photographs of Princess Charlotte
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Kate Middleton (pictured with husband Prince William) took the cute photographs of Princess CharlotteCredit: Getty - Contributor
 The royals often refer to each other by their first names
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The royals often refer to each other by their first names

However, plenty of others thought these fans were being ridiculous.

Some suggested that it would be odd for the couple to refer to their niece in such a formal way, and pointed out that the royals often use each other's first names.

One wrote: "These comments are insane. It's their niece, as if they're going to refer to her as 'Princess' Charlotte."

Another said: "Just last week William was talking about CHARLOTTE without referencing her title. Will and Harry always refer to each other as 'my brother Harry' or 'my brother Will' they NEVER use titles."

 Charlotte looks adorable in the newly-released shots
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Charlotte looks adorable in the newly-released shotsCredit: PA:Press Association
 The pictures were taken at Kensington Palace and at the Cambridges' family home in Norfolk
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The pictures were taken at Kensington Palace and at the Cambridges' family home in NorfolkCredit: PA:Press Association

Charlotte is the spitting image of her great-grandma the Queen in Kate's snaps, who she affectionately calls Gan-Gan.

In two photos she wears a £50 Amaia kids tartan skirt while playing in the garden of the family home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk.

In a third picture in the garden at Kensington Palace, the youngster wears a £70 Lily Rose Betsy dress and £26 Hampton canvas pumps from Trotters.

Meanwhile, we've taken a look at Princess Charlotte's cutest moments as she celebrates her fourth birthday.

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