London - Cradling his two-week-old little sister in his lap, Prince George plants a loving kiss on Princess Charlotte, proving he is every inch the proud big brother.
Captured here in a beautiful series of photographs, taken by the Duchess of Cambridge and released on Saturday night by Kensington Palace, it’s clear how much the new siblings have bonded.
The first official photographs of the Princess were taken at the family’s country home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk, just two weeks after Charlotte’s birth on May 2.
William and Kate have once again ignored the traditional Royal protocol of appointing an established portrait photographer. Instead the Duchess, a keen amateur photographer, took the shots herself.
It was of course her father, Michael, who surprised many by taking the first official portrait of George in August 2013.
Charlotte, with her irresistibly chubby cheeks and bright blue eyes, has darker hair than Prince George but they share the same nose – William’s – and rosebud lips. With his hands protectively wrapped around his new sister, George looks besotted with her –and thrilled to be in charge.
Wearing his favourite Rachel Riley blue shorts, piped shirt, knee-high socks and navy Start-rite shoes – the same outfit he wore to visit his newborn sister at St Mary’s Hospital – he looks pristine, and clearly managed to sit still for the photo shoot. The little Princess, who is dressed in what appears to be a woollen jumper with matching white tights and a frill collar body suit, is said to be a better sleeper than her brother. She appears completely relaxed and even seems to smile at one point. Like George, she has inherited the famous Middleton dimples.
Showing the siblings propped up against cushions on a pristine cream sofa, the pictures were taken in the living room of the Cambridges’ recently refurbished country bolthole. Kate oversaw the two-year redesign, and the pictures reveal a glimpse of the cool, neutral interiors she has chosen.
Photographer Hugo Burnand, who took the official Royal Wedding pictures in 2011, praised Kate’s skills with the camera. ‘They’re utterly beautiful images which Prince George and Princess Charlotte will treasure forever,’ he said.
The next set of official family pictures will be at Princess Charlotte’s christening, due to take place on July 5 at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham – where Princess Diana was baptised. Aides said the christening, conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, will be a private affair.
Mail on Sunday